LWVMP AND LWVSV SUPPORT MEASURE Q
The Boards of Directors of the Leagues of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula and of the Salinas Valley have agreed to support Measure Q, the one-half percent county sales tax, to provide added funds for Natividad Medical Center.
The following portions of the LWVC vertical Position on State and Local Finances, Flexibility of Revenue, influenced the LWVMP's decision: "To ensure flexibility of revenue by:
- Public program and funding priorities which give primary consideration to meeting the basic needs of the general population, attaining program objectives economically, and using procedures which promote flexibility and permit diversity of services;
- Each fund or tax 'earmarked' for a specific purpose containing an automatic sunset date and provisions for mandatory government body review and reauthorization;
- Adoption of designated 'earmarked' funds and taxes only in those situations where social benefit significantly outweighs the loss of flexibility."
The Board's endorsement is also supported by the LWVUS Positions on Health Care and Creating a Just Society, which state: "The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost should be available to all U.S. residents."
The following provisions in the ordinance define its purpose and "earmark" the tax revenues:
"Proceeds from the transactions and use tax authorized by this ordinance shall be deposited into a special fund within the County Treasury entitled 'Natividad Medical Center Transaction and Use Tax Fund' and shall be used exclusively for and on behalf of Natividad Medical Center to assist with Natividad Medical Center's budget shortfall and to avoid life-threatening reductions in Natividad Medical Center's healthcare delivery system."
- "Meeting operating expenses for the provision of emergency room, acute inpatient, and ambulatory care, including all costs associated with healthcare provider services;
- Purchasing or leasing supplies, equipment, or materials;
- Meeting financial reserve needs and requirements;
- Obtaining funds for capital projects necessary to maintain and/or improve healthcare service within the County;
- Meeting long-term debt payments;
- Recover the costs of the special election called to approve the tax."
In addition, an eighteen-member Citizens' Oversight Committee must be appointed to review and advise the Board of Supervisors as to the use of the funds from the sales tax. The ordinance prescribes the membership of the Committee to include representatives of various segments of the community and County and Hospital administrative officials.
The Leagues join Congressman Sam Farr, State Senator Bruce McPherson, State Assemblyman John Laird, State Assemblyman Simon Salinas, and all of the County Supervisors in endorsing Measure Q.
Our September "Lunch and Learn with the League" General Meeting will be on Measure Q. Check our calendar.
