HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpposition Letter - Measure A Sales Tax Measure (Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors) - 10.24.2025
October 24, 2025
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110
RE: Measure A – Sales Tax Measure (November 2025 Ballot)
Notice of OPPOSITION
Dear County Board of Supervisors:
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I am writing to express our opposition to Measure A, the
proposed 0.625 percent countywide sales tax increase appearing on the November 2025 ballot.
While we recognize the fiscal challenges facing the County and the importance of sustaining
healthcare services, we believe Measure A places an undue burden on residents and lacks the
accountability and transparency that voters deserve.
Sales taxes are among the most regressive forms of revenue, disproportionately affecting low-
income households, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes. At a time when many
residents are already struggling with high costs of living, an additional tax would deepen
financial strain on residents who are already overburdened by taxes. I am aware of several
other cities considering their own local sales tax, parcel tax, or other revenue tax measures to
rectify their existing budget deficit forecasts, and this measure would be an impediment for
those local jurisdictions. The County has also opted in to the 2026 Bay Area ballot measure SB
63, which, if passed, is slated to increase sales taxes in Santa Clara County by 0.5%. Moreover,
because Measure A is structured as a general tax, the revenues are not dedicated specifically to
healthcare services. Without clear safeguards, funds could be diverted to other purposes,
undermining public trust and failing to ensure that the measure addresses the very healthcare
challenges it is intended to resolve.
The timing of this proposal is also problematic. Placing such a significant revenue measure on a
special election ballot reduces public awareness and limits voter participation, which does not
reflect the level of engagement this issue deserves. Even if Measure A is approved, the projected
revenues will cover only a portion of the County’s long-term healthcare funding shortfall,
leaving critical gaps unaddressed and creating uncertainty for the future of our public hospital
system.
The City of Cupertino fully supports efforts to sustain and strengthen healthcare access for all
residents, but we believe Measure A is not the right approach and will exacerbate the existing
affordability crisis. We urge the Board to pursue alternatives that are more equitable,
transparent, and sustainable, and to engage cities as true partners in developing solutions. We
stand ready to work collaboratively toward strategies that protect public health without placing
an excessive burden on our residents.
For these reasons, the City of Cupertino opposes Measure A.
Sincerely,
Liang Chao
Mayor
City of Cupertino
cc. Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, District 5
The Honorable Josh Becker
The Honorable Patrick Ahrens