Opponents of Measure A say taxes are already too high in Santa Clara County

"Chanting no new taxes in front of the Santa Clara County Government Center on Monday, a small coalition of residents spoke out against Measure A a proposed five-eighths-of-a-cent sales tax increase to counteract the estimated billion dollars annually in lost federal revenue to the county. Santa Clara County voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether to approve the general sales tax, which county officials say is critical to preserving access to health care and other services that largely rely on revenues from Medicaid."

"One in four residents in the county rely on Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California. But the coalition, which is led by former Saratoga Councilmember Rishi Kumar, argues that taxes already are too high and that an increase to the sales tax rate would hurt seniors and families. The local sales tax rate is currently 9.125% countywide, and the 0.625% increase would put Campbell, Milpitas and San Jose at a 10% sales tax rate or higher."

"Santa Clara County has the second-largest county-owned health care system in the state, operating four hospitals and 15 clinics. The county most recently purchased Regional Medical Center in East San Jose after its former owner, HCA Healthcare, announced it would close the hospital's trauma center a move that would have left much of the East Side without access to lifesaving care."

Measure A would raise the sales tax by 0.625 percentage points to offset about $1 billion annually in lost federal Medicaid revenue. County officials say the tax is critical to preserving access to health care and services that rely on Medicaid, with one in four county residents on Medi-Cal. Opponents led by Rishi Kumar say taxes are already too high and an increase would hurt seniors and families. The countywide sales tax is currently 9.125% and would reach 10% or higher in some cities. The proposal would sunset after five years. The county operates an extensive health care system and recently purchased Regional Medical Center in East San Jose.

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