Sacramento, CA – Shortly after the polls closed, Proposition 44 was soundly defeated, proving what community clinics and patients have been saying for more than a year: patients should not be used as political tools. As of late Tuesday evening, more than 82% of voters had rejected Prop 44.
“We knew from the moment Prop 44 was filed that our coalition was up to the task of defeating such a dangerous measure and that we needed to reach as many voters as possible to help convey the threat that this measure would have on millions of patients and the clinics that serve them,” said Francisco Silva, President & CEO of the California Primary Care Association. “When clinics are mobilized to defend patient access to care, nothing can stop them. Today’s resounding defeat shows that health centers will not be bullied and that protecting the whole-patient, whole-community care we are known for will always be a priority.”
With more than 300 organizations and 1,000+ community clinics opposed to the measure, Proposition 44 was one of the most loathed initiatives on the ballot.
“Community clinics treat more than 7 million patients across the state and provide everything from primary care to mental health to prenatal services and beyond,to very vulnerable and underserved communities – immigrants, the uninsured, and more,” said Carlos Vaquerano, President and CEO, Clinica Monsenor Oscar A. Romero. “It is shameful that this measure was on the ballot in the first place, and proponents should listen to the overwhelming will of the voters and stop attacking health centers and our patients. Enough is enough.”
Prop 44 would have cut $1.7 billion from community health clinics in the first year and billions thereafter. As a result, 88% of clinics across the state would have been operating at a loss.
“Community clinics will not be deterred. We will stand up to any and all attacks on patients and the voters have made it clear they stand with clinics and our patients,” added Silva.