Voters in the city of Los Angeles face a new ballot proposal known as Measure FD, which asks for a 0.5% sales tax increase to permanently fund the city’s fire department.
Did You Know? In 2024, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure A, which doubled an expiring 0.25% sales tax, followed in June by voter approval of Measure ER to raise sales taxes another 0.5% for five years.
Measure FD Tax Proposal Details and Structure
Measure FD would direct its proceeds straight to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The proposal contains no sunset date, meaning it will serve as a permanent tax unless a future effort successfully pitches voters on a repeal.
Firefighters union argues the department remains severely underfunded
Proponents of the measure, led prominently by the firefighters union, argue that the city’s fire department remains severely underfunded. The campaign website states that the LAFD is half the size it should be to serve a population of almost 4 million people, noting a need for more fire trucks, engines, ambulances, and wildfire brush apparatus.
Union representatives pointed out to the editorial board that more than 95% of the reserve fleet is out of service. They highlighted statistics showing that Los Angeles has lower per capita rates of firefighters compared to big cities like San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, and Seattle, though it stays ahead of San Diego and San Jose.
Critics argue funding should come from existing city budgets
Critics of the measure argue that funding for the fire department should come from money the Los Angeles City Council already has available within its $15 billion annual budget, rather than from overtaxed residents. Representatives of the firefighters union expressed great frustration during discussions with the editorial board regarding the city’s refusal to prioritize them, with one arguing that the city has chosen not to invest in the fire department.
Union representatives pointed to city decisions prioritizing projects like the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion and fumbling homelessness spending that ultimately creates more work for the fire department. At the same time, LAFD personnel receive generous compensation packages and rising pension obligations, which guarantees that at least some benefits of a new tax will be absorbed by union deals.
Measure FD proposes a permanent sales tax increase
What tax rate does Measure FD propose for Los Angeles?
Measure FD proposes a 0.5% sales tax increase dedicated to the fire department with no sunset date.
How do recent Los Angeles sales tax measures compare?
In 2024, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure A to double an expiring 0.25% sales tax, and in June of this year, voters approved Measure ER to raise sales taxes by another 0.5% for a duration of five years.
Why are proponents arguing Measure FD is necessary?
The firefighters union argues that the department is half the size it should be for a population of nearly 4 million, with more than 95% of its reserve fleet out of service and a need for more fire trucks, engines, ambulances, and wildfire brush apparatus.
How will local voters weigh the demand for emergency resources against ongoing tax increases when casting their ballots on Measure FD?
Worth a look