Sales Tax Increase in LA Defeated

Would have added another half cent to quarter cent voters approved in the fall.

Los Angeles voters said no to a proposed half-percent sales tax hike Tuesday, voting down the ballot's Measure A 55 percent to 45 percent.

The increase, which would have brought in about $200 million a year, was dubbed the "neighborhood public safety and vital city services funding and accountability measure."

It had the support of Police Chief Charlie Beck and outgoing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In a television ad, Beck said Measure A would help police keep the city safe.