Articles

As Los Angeles County faces increasing strain on its healthcare system, Measure ER—the Essential Healthcare Restoration Act—offers a targeted approach to stabilizing access to care. The measure proposes a temporary, half-cent sales tax to support essential healthcare services, including emergency care, mental health and substance use treatment, and community-based primary care clinics. 

The need for Measure ER reflects a convergence of pressures: reduced federal funding, workforce shortages, and rising demand for services. Across the county, emergency departments and clinics are seeing higher patient volumes while operating with limited resources, creating longer wait times and reduced access to care. 

“Measure ER is fundamentally about protecting access to care when the system is under strain. It provides a practical way to stabilize services before gaps in care become more severe,” explains José C. Salazar, Dr.PH., MPH, the Director of Program Development for Tarzana Treatment Centers. 

Measure ER Supports Essential Healthcare Services

The ballot measure is designed to reinforce the healthcare safety net rather than expand it. Funding from Measure ER would support emergency rooms, public hospitals, community primary care clinics, disease prevention programs, and disaster response systems—core components that allow the broader system to function effectively. 

For providers like Tarzana Treatment Centers, which deliver integrated substance use disorder primary medical care and mental health services, the stability of that system is critical. Many patients rely on a network of public and community-based care, where disruptions in one area can quickly affect access across the continuum. 

Community clinics remain a key focus of Measure ER. These clinics provide preventive care, medical care, and behavioral health services that reduce reliance on emergency rooms and improve long-term outcomes. When those services are limited, the burden shifts to already overcrowded emergency departments. 

According to Vote Yes on ER, “Measure ER, the Essential Healthcare Restoration Act for Los Angeles County, is a temporary, half-a-penny investment to protect the essential services that every person in Los Angeles County relies on for their healthcare needs.”

Measure ER and Vulnerable Populations

Measure ER also supports the healthcare workforce, including doctors, nurses, EMTs, and frontline staff. Hence, it helps to maintain the capacity needed to meet ongoing demand. In addition, Measure ER funding would strengthen public health infrastructure, including disease surveillance and emergency preparedness systems. 

“Without stabilization, the healthcare safety net begins to erode, and the impact is felt most by vulnerable populations. Measure ER helps ensure that essential services remain available when and where they are needed most,” added Albert M. Senella, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tarzana Treatment Centers.  

Measure ER includes accountability provisions, with independent oversight and annual audits to track how funds are used. The tax is temporary, set to expire after five years unless renewed by voters. 

At a time when the healthcare system is under sustained pressure, this temporary half-cent tax represents a focused effort to preserve access to essential services and maintain the infrastructure that supports care across Los Angeles County. 

 

Measure ER FAQs

What is Measure ER? 

It is a Los Angeles County ballot measure that proposes a temporary half-cent sales tax to fund essential healthcare services. These services include emergency care, mental health treatment, and community clinics. 

What does Measure ER fund?

It funds emergency rooms, public hospitals, community clinics, disease prevention programs, disaster response systems, and healthcare workforce support. 

Why is Measure ER important?

It is important because it helps stabilize the healthcare system amid funding cuts, workforce shortages, and increased demand. Hence, it will ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations. 

Is Measure ER a permanent tax? 

No, it is a temporary tax set to expire after five years unless renewed by voters. In addition, it includes oversight and annual audits for accountability.