Santa Clara County is preparing for a difficult change. Federal funding that has long supported our hospitals, clinics, and programs for families is being reduced. Without new resources, some of the services families rely on—like health care and nutrition programs—could be scaled back.
To address this funding gap, the County is asking voters to consider a small adjustment to the sales tax on the November ballot. Measure A proposes adding a sales tax of five-eighths of a cent for every dollar spent.
If approved, the measure is expected to generate about $330 million each year for five years. For the average household, the cost is estimated at $82 per year—about $7 per month. And essential household expenses are mostly or completely exempt from sales taxes in California, including rent, groceries, utilities and health-related costs.
At FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, our mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to be healthy, thrive in supportive families, and succeed in school and life. Access to health care and family support services is essential to that mission.
By maintaining hospitals, clinics, and nutrition programs, we can continue building the strong foundation that children need in their earliest years. The FIRST 5 Commission voted unanimously to support Measure A as an investment in children, families, and the future of our community.
Read Santa Clara County’s press release about Measure A here.
