The Daily Bruin endorses Measure B, which would raise property
taxes in Los Angeles County to maintain the fiscal viability of
L.A. county trauma hospitals. Two UCLA affiliates, Harbor-UCLA and
Olive View-UCLA medical centers, are facing massive cuts or
possible closure due to funding scarcity.
L.A. County cannot afford to close down more trauma centers.
Since 1985, the number of trauma centers has shrunk from 22 to 13
““ the state also reduced trauma center funding by about 88
percent in the last decade. More closures will endanger public
health, reducing outlets for treating major injuries.
County officials recently requested $1.4 billion from the
federal government to avert budget cuts. The government responded
by offering a one-time payment of $150 million ““ well short
of what the county needs.
The estimated $168 million in new taxes generated annually will
provide a steady stream of revenue into the county’s
emergency and trauma-care network, including the two UCLA medical
centers.
Opponents argue that at 3 cents per square foot, a
1,500-square-foot house would cost a taxpayer an extra $45 a
year.
But this is a small price to pay for life-saving services
emergency and trauma centers provide in the event of a critical
injury or heart attack.