One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Half-Cent Sales Tax Hike in L.A. Creeps Closer to Ballot
Photo by Natali Glado/Shutterstock
That half-cent sales tax hike in the City of Los Angeles dreamed up by the City Council is edging closer to showing up on our March ballots, following a tentative vote taken today during the Council's meeting.
But it's not a done deal, thanks to too slim a margin in today's vote, according to City News Service. Coming in at 10-4, the measure didn't quite hit the 2/3 majority it needed to land on the ballot. Another vote will be taken next week.
Supporters of the sales tax increase believe it will help stuff the holes in our city budget, and prevent the layoffs of police officers and firefighters. City officials say it could bring in a projected $215 million annually, which would go into the city's general fund.
Among those voting no today include mayoral prospects Eric Garcetti and Jan Perry, who believe the tax would turn off the business community and hamper the city's economy.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
