Cupertino Council Majority Opposes Measure A Sales Tax Hike

On October 13th, the Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 to oppose the Measure A sales tax increase. Mayor Liang Chao, Vice Mayor Kitty Moore, and Councilmember Ray Wang voted to send a letter opposing Measure A, and Councilmembers Fruen and Mohan voted against the letter.

Background

Measure A proposes to raise sales taxes 0.625% for 5 years to offset federal Medicaid (Medi-Cal) cuts. Medi-Cal is the largest funding source for Santa Clara Valley hospitals and clinics.

If passed, Measure A would increase the countywide (and Cupertino) sales tax from 9.125% to 9.75% total. However, cities like San Jose and Milpitas would end up with a 10% sales tax, because they currently have a 9.375% tax rate. Measure A is anticipated to raise $330 million per year, which is just 1/3 of the $1 billion per year in lost revenue from H.R. 1.

Growing Cost Burden

Vice Mayor Moore shared that over the past decade, Santa Clara County spending on healthcare has burgeoned to over half of the county’s total budget, while spending on public safety, children, seniors, and families, and housing and land use has fallen. By comparison, healthcare spending in Los Angeles County, San Mateo County, San Diego County, and Alameda County hovers at around 25% of overall budget.

Councilmember Ray Wang holds a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Wang, whose studies included hospital finance and management, took issue with the financial unsustainability of the situation. “There are no budget cuts proposed, and we continue to have a situation where costs go up,” said Wang during the meeting. 

Calling for Accountable Healthcare Solutions

“Sales taxes are among the most regressive forms of revenue, disproportionately affecting low-income households, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes,” stated Mayor Chao via the opposition letter. “At a time when many residents are already struggling with high costs of living, an additional tax would deepen financial strain. Moreover, because Measure A is structured as a general tax, the revenues are not dedicated specifically to healthcare services.”

In an online statement, Mayor Chao said that a tax is not the only answer. “Another alternative is a healthcare district, like the El Camino Hospital District, which has operated successfully with an elected board, annual audits, and local accountability,” said Chao.

Concerns Over Political Influence

Council’s decision to oppose Measure A was driven in part by a desire for representation. After speaking with many council members and mayors privately, Chao found that “they actually did not support Measure A. But none of them are willing to speak up against the county supervisors. I found it really appalling that all of us who are elected… who understand how things work and who are here to represent our city are afraid to speak up.”

Whether you agree or disagree, we highly encourage you to cast your vote in the upcoming November 4th elections. Read the full Measure A ballot language, arguments for, against, and rebuttals, here.

Don’t Forget to Vote by November 4th, 2025

Cupertino Mail-In Ballot Drop Off Locations:
Cupertino City Hall
Outside Drop Box
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014

De Anza College
RSS Building @ Parking Lot A1
21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, CA 95014

Quinlan Community Center
Outside Drop Box
10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014

In-Person Voting in Cupertino:
Seven Springs Club House
21125 Seven Springs Pkwy, Cupertino, CA 95014
November 1 – November 3: 9am – 5pm
November 4 ELECTION DAY: 7am – 8pm

Additional vote center locatons, drop off boxes and vote tracking can be found at the Registrar’s website.