The advocates behind Proposition 35, a crucial November ballot initiative aiming to secure healthcare for low-income Californians, have formed a powerful alliance. This coalition includes doctors, hospitals, clinics, dentists, ambulance services, county governments, advocacy groups, corporations, and major political parties.
The Yes on Prop 35 campaign has garnered over $48 million in funds as of Sept. 9, demonstrating substantial support. The initiative intends to utilize taxes on managed-care health plans to boost compensation for healthcare providers, enhancing services offered under Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program.
While initial opposition was scarce, a small group of community advocates, including the League of Women Voters of California, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, and The Children’s Partnership have voiced their discontent with the proposition.
Despite limited resources compared to the initiative’s supporters, these opposition groups are committed to advocating against Proposition 35. No financial contributions from these opposing factions have been recorded yet.
Governor Gavin Newsom has refrained from taking a public stance on the issue but has cautioned against the potential limitations the initiative could impose on addressing the state’s budget deficit.
Opponents of Proposition 35 represent some of California’s most vulnerable populations, including Medi-Cal patients such as children, seniors, disabled individuals, and the chronically ill, along with the workers providing essential care to them.
