Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Concerns of Santa Clara County Residents

Will the Sales Tax Ballot Measure be a regressive tax that will disproportionately impact low income individuals?

Will an increase in property tax be better?

Darcie Green

Executive Director, Latinas Contra Cancer

A two-thirds voter threshold (required for a property tax) is not feasible within the current urgent timeline.
The County is already in crisis -- this sales tax is just one of many steps needed to protect vulnerable communities.
Doing nothing is more regressive than enacting a sales tax.
Constraints from Prop 13 make other tax options harder.
This is a "no one is coming to save us" moment -- action must be taken locally.

Jaria Jaug

Associate Director of Care Policy, Working Partnerships USA

A sales tax is the only tool the County can enact immediately without needing state approval.
Other options, like a property tax or parcel tax, require state-level authority and take more time.
Due to Prop 13, a parcel tax must be uniform across all properties, which limits flexibility.

To learn more, visit the FAQ page of the "Yes on A" campaign website here.