Story perspectives

Half-Cent Sales Tax Proposed to Save Medi-Cal Services

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor, and Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor, proposed a half-cent sales tax to offset Medi-Cal funding cuts.
The measure would raise costs for shopping and dining, drawing opposition.
Health officials say the tax is essential to maintain Medi-Cal services.
The measure will appear on the June ballot unless the Board of Supervisors opts out, with supporters planning a November vote if needed.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, California cut Medi-Cal funding by approximately $1.4 billion, impacting millions of low-income residents. This decision followed the state's expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which aimed to increase healthcare access. Local leaders, including Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell, proposed a half-cent sales tax to restore funding, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing state budgets and healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

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Story summary

Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor, and Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor, proposed a half-cent sales tax to offset Medi-Cal funding cuts.
The measure would raise costs for shopping and dining, drawing opposition.
Health officials say the tax is essential to maintain Medi-Cal services.
The measure will appear on the June ballot unless the Board of Supervisors opts out, with supporters planning a November vote if needed.

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