Los Angeles County is attempting to tackle the severe homelessness crisis, and a new proposal could be a game-changer.
Measure A, a county ballot initiative, aims to replace Measure H’s 1/4 sales tax with a 1/2 cent sales tax, raising over $1 billion.
Supporters argue that Measure A represents a necessary step in addressing the county’s housing shortage by providing a dedicated revenue stream for homelessness programs and affordable housing initiatives. However, critics raise concerns that the tax could burden residents and businesses, questioning both the efficiency and transparency of how the funds would be allocated. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle to find sustainable solutions to one of the region’s most pressing issues.
Several individuals interviewed by UT Community News who have experienced homelessness firsthand or have been impacted by it through loved ones said they support the measure.
“When I was in the 10th grade, my dad suffered from cancer, and I had to live in a camper for a while, eventually moving in with family members,” said Bianca Sims, a California resident who became homeless at age 15.
Her story is just one of many in Los Angeles, where thousands face similar hardships every day.
Sims added that being homeless can hurt people’s physical, mental, emotional and financial health and intensify problems that led to them being homeless in the first place. That’s why she strongly supports the measure and any other policies that expand services, programs and housing for people experiencing homelessness.
If the measure is approved, she said, “They can start on Skid Row. It’s not just drug addicts or people who are a lost cause. There are people who are truly lost, trying to find their way. There are kids out there, single moms—people who genuinely need help.”
Andrew Harris, another individual who has personally experienced homelessness, said he and his siblings became homeless due to their mother’s struggle with drug abuse.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Harris was forced to “grow up fast” and take care of himself and his siblings.
“I didn’t get sucked into the situation because sometimes you just have to find organizations that can help. They do exist; we just have to apply to them,” he said. “Have you ever seen the tents outside or people wandering the streets? It’s like a regular thing now, almost. For some people, it’s normal, but it’s not, you know.”
He said the growing normalization of homelessness in the area is a troubling sign of how widespread the problem has become and he said he would support any programs and services aimed at countering that — like Measure A.
Opponents say county residents are already facing financial difficulties related to a tighter job market and rising inflation costs and that this is not the right time to increase taxes.
Correction made Oct. 29, 2024: This story stated the incorrect type of tax that would be levied under Measure A. It is a sales tax.
richard martinez • Oct 9, 2024 at 8:20 pm
It don’t work thousands want to live on the streets and do drugs .this measure willingly hurt hard working people who are trying to pay their taxes as it is .the problem I s that are state government thinks all people make over 100k a year and they cam afford it