On Tuesday, November 6th, California voters will decide on several statewide ballot initiatives. CPEHN has analyzed some key ballot propositions and how they impact the health of communities of color.
Proposition 1: Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2018 – NEUTRAL
Proposition 1 will authorize the sale of $4 billion in bonds. Of this $4 billion, $3 billion will be used to finance various existing housing programs, infrastructure work, and grants to match local affordable housing matching grant programs (dollar-to-dollar). $1 billion, will be used to fund the CalVet program which offers loans to veterans for the purchase of farms homes, and mobile homes.
Impact on the health of communities of color: $1.5 billion will be used for Multifamily Housing Program which will assist in the new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of permanent and transitional rental housing for persons with incomes up to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). For example, a family of 4 is considered 50 percent AMI (very low-income) if they earn $45,200 a year. Additionally, $300 million will be deposited into the Joe Serna, Jr Farmworker Housing Grant Fund, to fund grants and loans for the construction and rehabilitation of housing for agricultural employees and their families – with an emphasis on low-income families.
Proposition 1 increase affordable housing and housing for veterans, but could do more to target access for low-income families and at-risk populations.
CPEHN is neutral on its position for this initiative.
Proposition 2: The No Place like Home Act of 2018 – SUPPORT
Proposition 2 will authorize the sale of $2 billion in bonds used to fund the No Place like Home program (NPLH), paid for using Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds – not to exceed $140 million a year. According to the nonpartisan California Legislative Analyst Office, the bond payments will be around $120 million a year.
Impact on the health of communities of color: Housing is critical for supporting health and wellness. Proposition 2 will aid the 134,000 homeless in California which make up 25 percent of the national homeless population. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), racial and ethnic minorities still have less access to mental health services than whites, and when they receive care, it is more likely to be of poorer quality. The NPLH program will create over 20,000 supportive housing units with integrated mental health and substance use services, medical care, case managers, education and job training. For these reasons, CPEHN is in support of Proposition 2.
Join CPEHN and vote “YES” ON 2.
Proposition 3: Bond for Safe Drinking Water and Water Infrastructure – NEUTRAL
Proposition 3 will authorize the sale of $8.9 billion in bonds for various water and environmental projects. The nonpartisan California Legislative Analyst Office, explains these bonds will cost $430 million a year and will be paid off in the next 40 years via general fund tax revenues.
Impact on the health of communities of color: According to the proposed text, Proposition 3 provides $500 million in funding for “severely disadvantage communities” who are expressed to be communities with a median household income of less than 60 percent of the statewide median household income. These $500 million are specified to be used in rural or small disadvantage communities to improve their drinking water source which is impaired by chemical and nitrate contaminants. Additionally, many disadvantaged communities that receive grants will not have to pay the local share of costs Proposition 3 details.
Access to safe drinking water and expand funding for infrastructure is critical for good health. Proposition 3 could do more in defining the benefits to “disadvantaged communities.”
CPEHN is neutral on its position for Proposition 3.
Proposition 6: Repealing the Gas Tax Law – OPPOSE
Proposition 6 will repeal the gas tax law passed by SB 1 (2017) known as the California Road Repair and Accountability Act (RRAA) and would require voter approval for all transportation related tax increases in the future. According to the nonpartisan California Legislative Analyst Office, this fiscal year the RRAA is expected to raise $4.4 billion.
Impact on the health of communities of color: If passed, Proposition 6 will repeal the RRAA, derailing projects large and small that improve the quality of life in underinvested communities (communities of color). As recent data from the Climate Resolve Partnership and Climate Plan shows, there is already limited funds allocated for active transportation infrastructure (i.e. bicycle lanes and pedestrian lanes) – especially in underinvested communities. If Proposition 6 passes, this underinvestment in low-income communities will only be exacerbated. For these reasons, CPEHN opposes Proposition 6.
Join CPEHN and vote “NO” on 6.
Proposition 8: Fair Pricing for Dialysis Act – SUPPORT
Proposition 8 would limit dialysis clinic and corporation revenues to no more than 15 percent above the amount they spend on patient care and impose penalties for excessive charges. This initiative also requires annual reporting to the state regarding clinics costs, patient charges, revenues, and prohibits clinics from discriminating on the basis of payer (i.e. private payer, Medi-Cal or Medicare).
Impact on the health of communities of color: Proposition 8 would aid patients receiving treatments in chronic dialysis clinics (CDCs), which provide care for patients experiencing End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), including renal dialysis services. According to national data, ESRD disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income patients. African Americans are 3.5 times more likely to have ESRD, Native Americans are 1.5 times more likely to have ESRD and Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to have ESRD than Whites. Proposition 8 would ensure these patients receive adequate and low-cost care intended to aid their condition rather than find ways to continue profiting off of them.
The initiative would provide greater transparency to ensure Dialysis clinic revenues go to staffing and patient care. SEIU-UHW has requested CPEHN’s support. Staff recommends CPEHN joins labor and other consumer groups in supporting the “Fair Pricing for Dialysis Act.”
Join CPEHN and vote “YES” ON 8.
Proposition 10: Allowing Local Authorities to Enact Rent Control – SUPPORT
Proposition 10 would repeal the Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act and allow cities and counties to introduce new restriction on housing market rents or expand rent control policies. The costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act was passed in 1995 and its three main provisions included: protecting landlord’s right to raise rent to the market rate on a unit once a tenant moves out, prevents cities from establishing rent control – or capping rent – on units constructed after February 1995, and exempts single-family homes and condos from rent control restrictions.
Impact on the health of communities of color: According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a Californian earning minimum wage would have to work 92 hours per week in order to afford to rent an average one-bedroom apartment. Proposition 10 may help low-income tenants keep their apartment or rented homes and avoid being displaced or evicted, especially in places where they are likely to be priced out. According to Urban Habitat, this measure protects vulnerable renters, preserves existing housing, and produces affordable housing.
California is facing a housing crisis that requires urgent attention and all tools on hand. Proposition 10 enables locals to enact rent control measures responsive to their community needs. For these reasons, CPEHN supports this initiative.
Join CPEHN and vote “YES” ON 10.
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Please share CPEHN’s 2018 Voter Guide with your friends and family. Together we can champion a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable California!
