Propositioned - Prop 4: Children's Hospital Bonds On the Ballot

Propositioned Podcast: Prop 4 deep dive

Welcome back to Propositioned! Hosted by KFI's Kris Ankarlo, this limited series podcast is back to take a look at the 11 different propositions you'll see at the ballot box this November 6! 

Now in its third season, Propositioned is a chance for both sides on each question to make their case to you, the voter. Then you can take that information with you to the voter booth. 

On today's episode of the Propositioned podcast, Kris Ankarlo speaks to both sides of Proposition 4. 

If passed, this bond measure would authorize $1.5 billion in bonds for the construction, expansion, renovation, and equipping of qualifying children's hospitals. 

Supporters say the measure would bring some much-needed efficiency and upgrades to children's hospitals around the state. However, opponents say borrowing more money isn't the way to help the kids. 

Kris Ankarlo investigates both sides of the ballot issue in the latest episode of the Propositioned podcast.

In November, voters will be asked to vote on 11 different ballot measures, four of which, are bond measures. Proposition 4, the final bond measure on the ballot, is seeking to authorize $1.5 billion in bonds that would give California children's hospitals around the state a big boost in funding. 

One of the groups opposing the measure is the California Republican party. CA GOP communications director Matthew Fleming says this has nothing to do with the merits of children's hospitals. 

"This was something that came after a lot of debate, this wasn't dead on arrival," Fleming told KFI's Kris Ankarlo. "A lot of the funding can be found in the private sector." 

Fleming points out that the California Republican party has been supportive of bonds in the past, but the party feels burned by Sacramento's promises on what happens with that bond money after it's been dispensed. 

"In 2014 voters approved a water bond, which we were supportive of, and to date, nothing's really been built on that," Fleming said. 

Ann-Louise Kuhns, the President of Children's Hospital Association says this is the third ballot measure dealing with children's hospitals since 2004, and their track-record proves that they know how to spend the money wisely. 

"Children's hospitals have a track-record of spending this money effectively to help build the infrastructure that we need to serve patients. We're seeing an increased volume of patients and an increased number of patients on Medical," Kuhns said. 

Much of the money is earmarked toward seismic refits that are required to be made before 2030. 

"We still have 818 beds across our children's hospitals, and that represents about 28% of our total capacity, that are still not compliant with that new seismic safety standard," Kuhns said. 

You can get more on both sides by listening to the Propositioned podcast here.

Here's the official language on the ballot for Proposition 4:

Authorizes $1.5 billion in bonds, to be repaid from state’s General Fund, to fund grants for construction, expansion, renovation, and equipping of qualifying children’s hospitals. Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs to repay bonds averaging about $80 million annually over the next 35 years.

Here's what a YES Vote means:

A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the construction, expansion, renovation, and equipping of certain hospitals that treat children.

Here's what a NO vote means: 

A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell the $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds proposed for these purposes.

Here are the groups who support Prop 4:

California Teachers AssociationCalifornia Children's Hospital Association

Here are the groups who oppose Prop 4:

No major organizations as of 10/16/2018

Photo: Getty Images


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