California Propositions

Thanks for posting that Hershey. I just received my absentee ballot in the mail, and it's definitely a good time to evaluate and think about our stance on things, if we haven't done so already. I thought I'd also throw in California's health-related propositions. In addition to the waiting period/parental notification proposition (Prop 4) we discussed last week, there is also one about funding for Children's Hospitals (Prop 3). Granted, Prop 4 is the more controversial proposition, and can have a big impact on the adolescent population and the doctors that treat them, but it's also important to think about how this state uses its money.

Here is some info and links for fact sheets/arguments:
Prop. 3: Funding for Children’s Hospital Projects Authorizes $980 million in general obligation bonds for construction, expansion, remodeling, renovation, furnishing, and equipping of eligible children’s hospitals. Fiscal Impact: State cost of about $2 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($980 million) and interest ($933 million) costs of the bonds. Payments of about $64 million per year.
Prop 3 Facts and Analysis
Prop 3 Arguments: for and against

Prop. 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of a Minor’s Pregnancy Changes the California Constitution to prohibit abortion for an unemancipated minor until 48 hours after a physician notifies the minor’s parent, legal guardian, or, in limited cases, substitute adult relative. Provides an exception for medical emergency or parental waiver. Fiscal Impact: Potential unknown net state costs of several million dollars annually for health and social services programs, court administration, and state health agency administration combined.
Prop 4 Facts and Analysis
Prop 4 Arguments: For and Against


Amy