Supporters say that as Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighters and Paramedics, we've dedicated our lives to protecting this city. We respond to your worst days: house fires, heart attacks, car accidents, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and increasingly destructive wildfires. Every second matters and can mean the difference between life and death.
But right now, due to a lack of firefighters, paramedics, equipment, and resources, it's taking us nearly twice as long as it should to arrive in an emergency. When we're delayed, we know what can happen. We've watched fires grow beyond control, fought to save patients whose chances of survival dropped with every passing minute, and stood beside families knowing a faster response could have changed the outcome.
FundLAFire.com (Campaign Website)
A YES vote on this measure means: you support the implementation of a 0.5% sales tax to fund the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Opponents say that as of October 1, the sales tax in the city of Los Angeles is 10.25%. If Measure FD passes, the sales tax in L.A. will be 10.75%. This would be the third sales tax increase in two years for Los Angeles city residents, following county sales tax increases for homelessness (Measure A in 2024) and health care (Measure ER in June).
The California Constitution requires special taxes (when the money is earmarked for a special purpose) to be approved by two-thirds of voters in order to pass. However, since 2017, state courts have carved a loophole in this important Proposition 13 protection. Judges have allowed some earmarked taxes to pass with fewer votes if they are placed on the ballot by collecting signatures on petitions. This loophole may be closed by voters with Proposition 43 on the November ballot, restoring the two-thirds vote to pass special taxes. Proposition 43 would take effect in January, 2027. The Measure FD sales tax increase would squeeze through the loophole to evade the two-thirds vote requirement.
A NO vote on this measure means: you are against the implementation of a 0.5% sales tax to fund the Los Angeles Fire Department.