November 2016 Ballot Initiatives October 14, 2016 California Legislation, Legislation Ballot Initiatives, Prop 56, 2016 0 CMA’s Board of Trustees has approved positions on several ballot measures for the November 2016 election Prop. 52: California Medi-Cal Hospital Reimbursement Initiative Position: CMA Supports Prop. 52 would lock in hospital fees to allow the state to draw down federal health care funds. It would add language to the California Constitution requiring voter approval of changes to the hospital fee program. This will prevent diversion of the funds from the original intended purpose of supporting hospital care to Medi-Cal patients and paying for health care for low-income children. Prop. 53: California Public Vote on Bonds Initiative Position: CMA Opposes Prop. 53 would require voter approval before the state could issue more than $2 billion in public infrastructure bonds that would require an increase in taxes or fees for repayment. This initiative could impact medical care by curtailing the ability of the State of California and local government entities to build or rebuild major infrastructure projects. Prop. 55: California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016 Position: CMA Supports Prop. 55 would extend the current income tax rates on the wealthiest two percent of Californians – singles earning more than $250,000 and couples earning more than $500,000 a year – for 12 years. Funding would provide local school districts the money needed to hire teachers and reduce class sizes and improve access to health care services for low-income children so they can stay healthy and thrive. Prop. 56: California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 Position: CMA Supports Prop. 56 – supported by a broad alliance of physicians, health care advocates, educators and others – would raise California’s tobacco tax, which is currently among the lowest in the country, to $2.87 a pack. Designed as a user fee on cigarettes and other tobacco products, the majority of the money would be used for existing health programs and research into cures for cancer and other illnesses caused by smoking and tobacco products. Prop. 58: The Language Education Acquisition and Readiness Now (LEARN) Initiative Position: CMA Supports Prop. 58 would give local school districts and their academic staff the option of providing bilingual education. California needs a well-prepared and educated health care workforce that reflects our diverse society. Prop. 58 would break down barriers by removing outdated mandates, helping physicians provide the best patient care for all Californians. Prop. 61: Drug Price Standards Initiative Position: CMA Opposes Prop. 61 would prevent certain state agencies from entering into contracts for the purchase of prescription drugs unless the price paid is the same as or lower than the special discounts provided to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The measure could result in the invalidation of existing agreements between the state and pharmaceutical companies that already provide significant discounts to the state. Prop. 63: Safety for All Act of 2016 Position: CMA Supports Prop. 63 would prohibit the possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and would require most individuals to pass a background check and obtain authorization from the California Department of Justice to purchase ammunition. CMA supports Prop. 63 to ensure our communities are safe and healthy places to live. Prop. 64: Adult Use of Marijuana Act Position: CMA Supports Prop. 64 would regulate and control the cultivation and use of non-medical cannabis. The proposal would generate up to $1 billion in taxes for state and local governments, according to a fiscal analysis of the proposal. CMA believes that the most effective way to protect public health is to tightly control, track and regulate cannabis, as well as comprehensively research and educate the public on its health impacts. Comments are closed.
