Four bond measures are on California’s Nov. 6 ballot this year, one of which is Proposition 4. It would secure $1.5 billion in funding for the construction, expansion and renovation of 13 children’s hospitals statewide.
This is the third bond measure for children’s hospitals that state voters have faced since 2004, and would also require hospitals to meet new seismic standards by 2030. Backing the “Yes on 4” campaign is the California Children’s Hospital Association. Supporters say that hospitals inadequately receive most of their funding from Medi-Cal and need additional streams of revenue.
While there is no official opposition campaign to Prop 4, “no” voters point to the enormous costs, with bonds generally requiring double the amount of money for taxpayers after interest. Proposition 4 would take an estimated 35 years to pay off with $80 million annually.
We hear from both sides. Call us at 866-893-5722 with your questions or comment below.
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Guests:
Ann-Louise Kuhns, chair of the California Children’s Hospital Association, which is sponsoring the official “Yes on 4” campaign
David Wolfe, legislative director for Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which does not have an official position on Prop 4