— SANTA CRUZ COUNTY VOTE —
Working families, students, and local workers are already stretched to the limit. Raising local sales taxes to 10.25% drives up prices on everyday necessities for every neighbor across Santa Cruz County.
Taxpayers should demand better priorities and greater accountability for the money government already receives
We recommend a No vote on Measure E because Santa Cruz County officials continue spending public funds on planning and studying a proposed passenger rail system along the Santa Cruz coastline - currently $1.4M allocated to additional studies.
The proposed rail project carries a multibillion-dollar price tag, yet county and transit officials continue committing time and taxpayer dollars to additional rail studies and design work.
Measure E is a general sales tax. Its revenue is not legally restricted to the services emphasized in the ballot language, such as hospitals, emergency response, healthcare, food assistance and housing assistance. As General Fund revenue, the money may be appropriated for other lawful county purposes through the budget process.
We are concerned that approving another tax gives county government greater financial flexibility while officials continue supporting expenditures on passenger-rail planning.
The True Cost
This sales tax hike will hit household budgets where it hurts most: everyday necessities.
Grocery Bills Soar
Pain at the Pump
Local Business Owners Suffer
Measure E will raise prices on food, making it harder for families to put meals on the table.
Expect higher costs for gas and transportation as this regressive tax affects every commute.
Small businesses will pass on increased costs, slowing local economic growth and job creation.
Financial Facts
The Real Impact on Your Budget
$500+
Annual Tax Hike
0%
Spending Oversight
70%
Voters Oppose
Your voice makes a difference. Request a yard sign or volunteer today to stop this tax hike.