California Democratic Party Endorses the No on Prop 44 Campaign, Opposes Proposition 44
For the first time ever, California’s community health centers and clinics had a presence at the California Democratic Party Convention in February and the Executive Board Meeting in early August. CPCA Advocates (CPCA’s c(4) affiliate organization) and health center representatives were there to take the next step in the defeat of Proposition 44, a dangerous statewide ballot measure which threatens care for millions of Californians who rely on health centers and clinics for access to care. Our efforts paid off with a major win for our patients and communities: the Democratic Party officially opposes Proposition 44!
Laying the Groundwork with Coalition-Building
This result didn’t happen overnight. CPCA Advocates began by securing endorsements from organizations like the California Teachers Association; the California School-Based Health Alliance; Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California; the American Academy of Pediatrics, California; the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists District IX; and the American College of Emergency Physicians, California.
With the support of California’s regional consortia and member health centers, the No on 44 campaign engaged in one-on-one direct phone calls with Executive Board Committee members weeks prior to the meeting. Calls hosted by the Party’s various caucuses and their Statewide Regional Director Forum on Ballot Propositions also offered opportunities for the campaign to share information on the real and dangerous consequences of Proposition 44 in advance of the meeting.
Amplifying the Message during National Health Center Week
The California Democratic Party endorsement meeting was held in San Diego on the eve of National Health Center Week. The No on 44 campaign saw an opportunity to showcase the important role that health centers and clinics play in access to care by holding a No on Prop 44 National Health Center kick-off press conference just down the road from where voting would be held the next two days.
Speakers at the press conference included frontline providers from San Ysidro Health, Family Health Centers of San Diego, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as representatives from Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and the San Diego Hunger Coalition.
Growing our Presence & Power with the Democratic Party
During the weekend of the Democratic Party Executive Board meeting, CPCA and the No on 44 campaign in partnership with Health Center Partners of Southern California turned out approximately 50 volunteers, from frontline providers to health center leadership. Together, we engaged in live debate with the proponents of Proposition 44. The line-up of debaters included Jodi Hicks, CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California; a representative from the California Teachers Association; and a patient board member from San Ysidro Health along with other health center advocates.
Our large turnout, coalition-building, and outreach efforts to the Democratic Committee members resulted in the endorsement of the Democratic Party. CPCA is grateful for everyone – partners, volunteers, clinic staff, and coalition members – who have come together to secure this important victory. We are one step closer to defeating Proposition 44 and protecting patients across California.