PRESS RELEASE
ICYMI: Measure B on Noticias SD: We Must Pass Measure “Because We Cannot Wait” For Others To Step In For San Diego County
SAN DIEGO, CA— In response to last week’s lay-offs at Sharp HealthCare triggered by federal funding cuts, John Clark, deputy district vice president of San Diego County Firefighters CAL-Fire Local 2881, called on voters to approve Measure B, warning that San Diego County "cannot wait" for state or federal intervention to protect our essential services.
In an interview with Noticias SD, Clark explained that Measure B would safeguard vital programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, ensuring San Diegans do not lose essential coverage when federal funding cuts take effect:
John Clark, from San Diegans for Health and Safety, said the measure aims to help people who rely on programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh.
“This Measure B is going to help people who are on Medi-Cal and CalFresh and other programs that are already at risk. From the cuts, from federal funding, and also on the state side,” said John Clark.
With the cuts to Medi-Cal in 2025’s H.R. 1 (the “Big Beautiful Bill Act”), the care crisis in San Diego County is threatening to get worse if we cannot direct local resources to help, Clark said:
For its advocates, the financial troubles facing the healthcare sector make having local resources even more urgent.
“Because we cannot wait for the federal government and the state government to help San Diego County,” said John Clark.
Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation, echoed Clark’s warnings, pointing to the increasing pressure on local organizations who provide health and food services.
Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation, also expressed his support for the initiative and linked federal cuts to the pressures facing health services in the region.
“Cuts to the healthcare sector in Washington mean deep cuts here in San Diego. Measure B is essential to preventing these kinds of harmful cuts to healthcare services for San Diegans before this crisis gets even worse,” said Mark Stuart.
The San Diego Foundation has noted that federal funding cuts are increasing pressure on local organizations providing health, food, and housing services.
Measure B is a citizen-led initiative on the November 2026 ballot designed to protect local healthcare coverage, public health programs, 911 emergency response, and public safety in San Diego County. Measure B is endorsed by community advocates and labor including the American Academy of Pediatrics-San Diego Chapter, San Diego County Hospital Association, San Diego County Firefighters CAL FIRE Local 2881, and First 5 San Diego.
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