Flawed one-time tax scheme creates a fiscal cliff that will cause deep cuts to programs or force other taxpayers to make up the difference
SACRAMENTO, CA — In its closing argument to California voters, the No on 40 coalition released a new video today featuring Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California President and CEO Jodi Hicks warning Californians that “when the money runs out in just a few years, we’ll either face deep cuts to programs or other taxpayers will have to make up the difference.”
Hicks noted that Proposition 40’s reliance on a one-time, deeply flawed tax to fund ongoing healthcare obligations would create a dangerous fiscal cliff, threatening California’s long-term ability to provide care to millions of residents — and fund other priorities like education.
“One of the most critical decisions on your ballot this year will directly impact your ability to access the healthcare you need now and into the future. It’s why Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California is asking you to vote NO on Prop. 40,” Hicks said. “Prop. 40 will only do more harm than good.”
“We believe everyone should pay their fair share. But when it comes to funding healthcare, good intentions aren’t enough,” she said. “Proposition 40 is a one-time tax that creates a fiscal cliff without clear safeguards to guarantee new funding reaches patients or to protect access to essential services over time. When the money runs out in just a few years, we’ll either face deep cuts to programs or other taxpayers will have to make up the difference.”
This message builds on the No on 40 ad running statewide featuring doctors and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California detailing how Proposition 40 will “cost California billions in tax revenue” and force “deep cuts to hospitals and clinics” while “90% of the money could go to big health insurance companies with no requirement to lower your healthcare costs.”
Other leaders who share concerns about the measure’s long-term consequences for California also continue to come out against Proposition 40. In recent days, the campaign announced that four of California’s most experienced local and state leaders, Black community leaders, agricultural leaders and farmers, and veterans are standing together against Proposition 40. They join a broad coalition of doctors, teachers, healthcare providers, labor unions, firefighters, civil rights leaders, affordable housing advocates, and small businesses opposing this measure.
Voters are also souring on Proposition 40. According to the PPIC poll released earlier this week, 52% of likely voters would vote no on the measure, while 46% would vote yes. This is a reversal of last month’s poll, which had 52% of likely voters supporting Proposition 40 and 46% opposed. The Berkeley IGS poll, also released this week, tracked a similar trend, finding 50% of likely voters intend to vote no on Proposition 40, while 42% are voting yes. This poll finds yes-side support continuing to slide from the last poll completed in mid-September.
More than 40 publications with readers in every pocket of California have editorialized against Proposition 40, urging Californians to vote “NO” on the measure — from the state’s largest and most respected daily newspapers to community news outlets and Black and Spanish-language media.