IJ Action Recommendation: VOTE NO
Prop 44 would require community clinics to spend at least 90% of their annual funds on caring for patients. This measure directs the Attorney General to determine which costs count as patient care, and allows the AG to fine clinics in violation of this rule.
Supporters say that funds should be spent directly on patients rather than high salaries for executives or other administrative costs. They argue that with the massive healthcare spending cuts that the state has faced, it is now more important than ever to ensure most of all funds are going directly towards caring for patients. Prop 44 is supported by SEIU-UHW.
Opponents claim that Prop 44 will cause community clinics to lose approximately $1.7 million in revenue, forcing many to shut down. They point out that there are many essential costs that are not explicitly patient care that would be cut if this measure passes, such as nursing management, janitorial services, x-ray machines, and leasing of buildings. Prop 44 is opposed by an overwhelming number of medical associations, community health clinics, as well as the Democratic Party, Republican Party, and Working Families Party.
VOTE NO. While the intention of Prop 44 may be to ensure that patients get better care, the unintended consequences of this measure will likely result in clinics shutting down or not being able to pay for the administrative services they need to operate.
