Measure A on the Nov. 4 ballot in Santa Clara County would raise the sales tax by five-eighths of a cent.

The measure would push the sales tax rate to at least 9.75% in the county, with higher rates in Los Gatos (9.875%), San Jose (10%), Milpitas (10%) and Campbell (10.5%).

The increase would raise $330 million a year, according to county officials. It could be used for any legitimate government purpose, but county officials say they plan to use the funds solely to offset federal health care funding cuts.

Yes: Retired county doctors Sara Cody and Dennis Low argue that Measure A is needed to offset the federal cuts, especially the loss of Medicaid funds. Without the tax increase, health care services will be cut and some county hospitals may not survive.

No: Pat Waite, president of Citi

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