Supporters take signatures to qualify the San Diego Health and Safety Act ballot measure in November's election to the county of San Diego's Registrar of Voters building in Kearney Mesa on Monday, May 4, 2026. / Vito Di Stefano for Voice of San Diego

A coalition of labor and advocacy groups are pitching a half-cent sales tax increase to combat Trump administration cuts, address the Tijuana sewage crisis and more.  

SEIU Local 221 President Crystal Irving, a key champion, and Mark Kersey of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association are set to debate for and against Measure B at Politifest next month. 

Irving and the coalition behind Measure B argue that new locally controlled funds will help the region avoid health care cuts and layoffs, address the long-running sewage debacle, hire more firefighters and ramp up child care access.  

Kersey’s organization opposes Measure B and points to the lack of a sunset clause in the measure and annual performance targets, uncertainty over whether the measure could reopen labor talks and fears that it will disincentive fiscal discipline. 

Come to Politifest on Oct. 3 to hear Irving and Kersey hash out why San Diegans should support – or vote against – the countywide tax measure. 

Get your tickets here.

Lisa is a senior investigative reporter digging into San Diego County government and the region’s homelessness, housing, and behavioral health crises.

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