Voters to decide renewal of KC's safety net community healthcare levy April 5
Photo from Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, samrodgers.org
Kansas City’s healthcare safety net needs voters’ approval April 5 to continue its role in making sure everyone — including the poor and uninsured — has access to emergency and preventative services.
Question 2 on the Kansas City ballot asks voters to renew a 22-cent levy that supports ambulance services and health care services from non-profit providers including University Health — formerly Truman Medical Center — and non-profit clinics like Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center and Swope Health.
More than 70,000 adults and children have received health care from the levy-supported services, available regardless of income, who otherwise may have gone without care. The measure has saved lives and reduced health costs overall.
Voting yes would not increase property tax bills but maintain the current rate.
The levy raises $3 million a year for ambulance services, $3 million for community health centers and $15 million for University Health.
Also on the ballot: Sewer revenue bond issue
Question 1 on Kansas City’s ballot asks voters to allow the city to issue up to $750 million in revenue bonds to rehabilitate, expand and improve Kansas City’s sanitary sewer system.
The bonds are not taxes and would not impact tax bills, and it would allow the city to renew its bond revenue stream to make critical repairs and sewer system upgrades.