Measure A on the Nov. 4 ballot in Santa Clara County would raise the sales tax by five-eighths of a cent.

The measure would push the sales tax rate to at least 9.75% in the county, with higher rates in Los Gatos (9.875%), San Jose (10%), Milpitas (10%) and Campbell (10.5%).

For example, in San Jose, where the sales tax is currently 9.375%, a consumer pays an additional $9.38 on a $100 purchase. If Measure A passes, the tax would add another 62 cents, making the total sales tax $10 for that same $100 purchase. Prescription medicines and most groceries are exempt from sales tax.

The increase would raise $330 million a year, according to county officials.  It could be used for any legitimate government purpose, but county officials say they plan to use the funds solely to offset federal health care funding cuts.

Yes: Retired county doctors Sara Cody and Dennis Low argue that Measure A is needed to offset the federal cuts, especially the loss of Medicaid funds. Without the tax increase, health care services will be cut and some county hospitals may not survive.

No:  Pat Waite, president of Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, says the county has a history of profligate spending. It should use existing resources responsibly, efficiently and effectively before asking for more taxes.

 

Originally Published: October 10, 2025 at 3:45 AM PDT