Los Angeles voters approved a half-cent sales tax hike to fund a stronger fire department, a decision that will make many residents pay more for everyday purchases.
The measure, called FD, would raise the city's retail sales tax from 10.25% to 10.75% and generate about 345 million dollars annually for the Fire Department. It passed by a roughly 54% to 46% margin last week.
The funding is meant to hire more firefighters, repair stations and equipment, and improve response times. The department has faced long-standing staffing and equipment problems, and its average response time is nearly double national standards.