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LA taxes look set to rise as votes tallied for Measure FD
Los Angeles voters were leaning towards approving Measure FD, which would raise the city’s sales tax by half a cent to fund the Fire Department. The proposal had 54% support and 46% opposition in the first results, but counting was continuing, with final results expected by 27 November.
If passed, the tax would rise from 10.25% to 10.75% and is estimated to generate $345 million a year. Supporters say the money would fund firefighters, paramedics, stations, equipment and wildfire prevention; opponents cite affordability and argue the city should find savings in its existing $15 billion budget. Measure FD needs a simple majority and includes a provision to prevent the city replacing existing Fire Department funding with the new revenue.
In short
- Measure FD led with 54% support in early results.
- The half-cent tax increase could raise $345 million annually.
- Opponents cite affordability and the city’s existing budget.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a dedicated tax would provide reliable funding for firefighters, paramedics, stations, equipment and wildfire prevention, strengthening the city’s ability to respond to emergencies. They also point to the safeguard against replacing existing fire funding, and say the public safety benefits justify a modest increase in sales tax.
The case against
Opponents argue that raising sales tax would add to the cost of everyday purchases when many residents are already concerned about affordability. They say the city should first examine its substantial existing budget for savings, rather than ask taxpayers to provide more revenue.
Explained simply
Los Angeles funds its city services through a budget, which includes money for its Fire Department. The department provides firefighters and paramedics, maintains stations and equipment, and helps prepare for wildfires.
A sales tax is added to the price of many goods and services, and the city rate is currently 10.25%. Measure FD would increase it to 10.75%, with the revenue reserved for fire and emergency services; the measure also says the city must not use it to replace existing Fire Department funding. The proposal reflects a debate over how to pay for those services and whether raising the tax is affordable when the city has other spending needs.