Statement of Support for San Diego County Measure B, the Protect San Diego’s Health and Safety Act in the 2026 General Election

The League of Women Voters of San Diego and of North County San Diego SUPPORT Measure B, the Protect San Diego’s Health and Safety Act, which would raise the County sales tax by half a cent per dollar to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis (22.5%), public safety services including wildfire prevention (17.5%) and healthcare services including nutrition, food security, childcare and children’s health (60%).

Although the League of Women Voters has long recognized that sales tax increases can disproportionately affect low-income residents and a sunset clause is preferable to enable flexibility, in the current economic context such a tax increase is justified. 

The severity of the harmful health impacts from Tijuana sewage problems and the depth of the Federal cuts for healthcare, especially for children, require the County to be more self-sufficient. These are social, health and environmental issues that the LWV has long supported and that need adequate revenue.

There are limited ways that the County can raise funds for these critical programs other than taxation

The absence of a sunset clause is justified because the Tijuana River mitigation requires long-term funding for infrastructure.