Coalition Launches Signature Drive for New Sales Tax to Address San Diego County’s Health and Safety Needs
In an ambitious move to tackle pressing public health and safety issues, a coalition of local labor unions and child care advocacy groups has filed a proposed half-cent sales tax measure with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. Dubbed the Protect San Diego County’s Health & Safety Act, the measure aims to raise approximately $360 million annually, targeting crucial services including child care, health care, public safety, and solutions to the Tijuana River sewage crisis.
Overview of the Proposal
The coalition, which includes the Service Employees International Union Local 221, Children First San Diego, and Cal Fire Local 2881, plans to start gathering signatures next month, hoping to secure a place on the November 2026 ballot. The significant budget generated from this sales tax is designed to directly address various urgent problems facing residents of San Diego County.
Key Allocation of Funds
According to the proposed ballot language, the funds raised would be distributed as follows:
- Up to 60% (about $261 million annually) for child care and health services for children, aid for uninsured individuals, food assistance programs, staffing for CalFresh eligibility workers, and in-home health care services.
- Approximately 23% (about $81 million) dedicated to combatting the Tijuana sewage crisis, with at least 20% of this funding allocated to infrastructure projects aiming to stop sewage flows from Tijuana into the U.S. and address related health issues.
- Nearly 18% (around $63 million) earmarked for enhancing public safety services, wildfire prevention tactics, and crisis response efforts.
Additionally, the measure imposes a 1.5% cap on administrative costs, ensuring that about $5 million annually would be used efficiently. An 11-member citizens' oversight committee would be established to conduct annual audits and manage fund allocation, explicitly barring expenditures on politicians’ salaries, lobbying contracts, or renovations of government offices.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the well-structured proposal, the coalition faces an uphill battle to convince a skeptical electorate already burdened by rising costs. Many taxpayers may hesitate to embrace new taxes, especially in light of previously proposed measures—such as Measures E and G, which aimed for similar fiscal aims but failed to gain voter approval in November 2024.
Polling conducted by the coalition reflects some apprehension among voters. An initial survey indicated that 57% of respondents felt the county was heading in the wrong direction, while 60% shared the same sentiment regarding the city of San Diego. These statistics highlight a community concerned about governmental efficacy and transparency.
Crystal Irving, President of SEIU 221, expressed the coalition's determination, stating, “We’re taking urgent action on the biggest health and safety threats San Diego County is facing." She emphasized the coalition’s commitment to empowering voters to make a choice that could lead to a "safer, healthier future."
Competing Measures
Adding to their challenges, the coalition is likely to face competition from another group—composed of Laborers Local Union 89, Carpenters Union Local 619, and Rebuild SoCal—that is advocating for a one-cent sales tax increase specifically for the city of San Diego. This competing proposal focuses on similar themes involving infrastructure repairs and wildfire prevention.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
Courtney Baltiyskyy of Children First San Diego confirmed that the coalition aims to collect at least 140,000 signatures to secure a place on the upcoming ballot, with a requirement for a minimum of 102,923 valid signatures.
The launch of this community-backed initiative reflects a proactive approach in addressing local emergencies and bolstering essential services. However, the coalition's success will depend significantly on connecting with the community and educating voters on the necessity and benefits of the proposed funding.
San Diego County Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer has shown support for the initiative, describing it as an essential tool that could help ensure clean water, maintain healthcare access, and bolster emergency resources as the community faces growing challenges. Lawson-Remer stated, "When Washington walks away, our community refuses to look the other way," underscoring the importance of local action.
Conclusion
As the coalition prepares to embark on its signature-gathering mission next month, San Diego residents will have to weigh their priorities amid rising costs and potential tax increases impacting their livelihoods. The forthcoming months will be pivotal in determining whether the Protect San Diego County’s Health & Safety Act will make it to the ballot, ultimately placing the power of change in the hands of voters.
For those interested in supporting local journalism and the coverage of events that matter most to San Diego, consider making a donation to aid ongoing reporting efforts. Every contribution counts in keeping the community informed.
