Home » Santa Clarita News » Politics » Santa Clarita Officials Discuss Measure H, Homelessness

Santa Clarita Officials Discuss Measure H, Homelessness

Los Angeles County residents will vote on a measure to combat homelessness that will raise the sales tax one-quarter percent next month.


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If approved by voters March 7, Measure H would generate about $3.5 billion for homeless programs over 10 years and raise sales tax from 8.75 percent to 9 percent, according to county officials.

Supporters of the measure say it will help fund much needed programs, but opponents say county residents are already taxed enough.

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the 5th district, which encompasses the Santa Clarita Valley, supports Measure H.

Barger initially opposed the measure, according to Tony Bell, spokesman for Barger, but supported it after several major revisions. The bill changed from parcel tax to a sales tax, and originally lacked a sunset date. The current measure as proposed would expire in 10 years.

Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth expressed opposition to Measure H, citing the county’s already high tax rate.

“I plan to vote no on Measure H,” said Smyth. “Voters just approved increasing taxes for parks and roads in November — we don’t need to raise them again.”

The mayor recognized that homelessness is a growing problem in Santa Clarita and asked the city council to form an ad hoc committee to address the issue.

“The purpose of the committee is to come together to find solutions to homelessness, that are tailored to the needs of Santa Clarita,” said Smyth. He noted in a recent interview with KHTS AM-1220 that a one-size-fits-all solution from the county didn’t seem like the best option, but rather the issue should be addressed.

Measure H would fund services such as mental health, substance abuse treatment, health care, job training, transportation, outreach and prevention, according to the measure.

Among the people it would help are foster youth, veterans, battered women, seniors, disabled individuals and the mentally ill, according to county officials.

The measure calls for the creation of an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Advisory Board. The five member board will review spending twice a year.

The homeless population in Los Angeles County was almost 47,000 in 2016, according to the county’s annual homeless count. This was an increase of about 6 percent from 2015, and 19 percent from 2013.

The 2017 homeless count was conducted last month, organizers expect that number to rise when the results have been determined.

Measure H needs a two-thirds supermajority of L.A. County voters in order to pass March 7.

The deadline to register to vote in the March election is Tuesday, Feb. 21. Apply online at lavote.net

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Santa Clarita Officials Discuss Measure H, Homelessness

One comment

  1. Hello are we not paying one of the highest tax rate now? NO,NO,NO,NO

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About Devon Miller

Devon Miller was born and raised in Santa Clarita. He joined KHTS Radio as a digital marketing intern in September of 2017, and later moved to news as a staff writer in December. Miller attended College of the Canyons and served as the Associated Student Government President. Miller is now News Director for KHTS, covering breaking news and politics across the Santa Clarita Valley.