COUNCIL AGENDA: 10/21/2025
FILE: 25-1143
ITEM: 3.6
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Kamei
SUBJECT: Item 3.6: Resolution of
Support on Santa Clara
County Measure A
DATE: October 21, 2025
Approved:
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Rules and Open Government Committee memorandum directing the City Attorney to draft a resolution of support for Santa Clara County Measure A on behalf of the San José City Council.
BACKGROUND
Thank you to Councilmembers Ortiz, Candelas, Campos, and Cohen for their leadership in putting their memo forward. Federal legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed by President Trump, enacts sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs nationwide. In Santa Clara County, these cuts threaten more than $1 billion in annual funding for the County’s public health system. The County operates four publicly run hospitals, including the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and the Regional Medical Center, which together provide critical emergency, trauma, and specialty care for residents regardless of insurance status.
Because these hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements, the loss of federal funding endangers the stability of the entire system. In response, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to place Measure A on the November ballot—a temporary
0.625% sales tax increase for five years projected to generate roughly $330 million annually, or about one-third of the County’s anticipated losses.
ANALYSIS
Measure A is a necessary, time-limited measure designed to prevent the collapse of essential health and safety net services that serve San José residents. Without these revenues, the County
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
10/21/2025
Subject: Resolution of Support on Santa Clara County Measure A
may be forced to cut vital programs or close hospitals, placing immense pressure on City resources, local clinics, and emergency care systems.
While the full local impact of federal cuts remains uncertain, the issue is significant enough that the City Council deserves the opportunity to discuss the matter publicly and consider how these changes could affect San José residents directly. As the largest city in Santa Clara County, San José has a practical obligation to take a stance in defense of public health infrastructure.
Supporting Measure A aligns with ongoing City-County collaboration addressing homelessness, behavioral health, and emergency response. A strong City voice in favor of Measure A underscores San José’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its residents during this period of federally induced instability.
For questions, please contact Elise Lester, District 1, at [email protected].