BREATHE CALIFORNIA ENDORSES MEASURE A
Executive Director Sidener: Measure Will Fund Health Care, Reduce Pollution
SAN JOSE, March 21, 2006 -- Today the Committee for Health Care, Transportation and Local Accountability announced that Breathe California has endorsed its effort to win approval of Measure A in Santa Clara County.
"Breathe California, the 95-year old Clean Air and Healthy Lungs People, supports Measure A because it will help us accomplish our mission to fight lung disease," said Margo Sidener, MS, CHES, the Executive Director of Breathe California. "Increased funding for health and human services will ensure that those who need help will have access to health care."
"We are pleased to have the support of Breathe California," said Measure A spokesman Bob Brownstein, a San Jose health care advocate.
In the Bay Area, 750,000 people suffer from a form of lung disease such as asthma and emphysema. Since 1908, the Bay Area affiliates of Breathe California have fought lung disease by advocating for prevention, education, clean air and patient services. The organization was formerly known as the American Lung Association.
Measure A is on the June 6, 2006 ballot. Brownstein said Measure A will generate critically-needed local funds for high-priority local needs like health care, transportation, trauma and emergency services.
Sidener cited reduction in air pollution as a reason to support Measure A.
"Improved transportation will reduce air pollution, a serious cause of lung disease in our local area," said Sidener.
According to Brownstein, Measure A can fund services, such as:
- Investigation of and compassionate care for the County's 22,000 reported child abuse cases.
- Earthquake safety upgrades for the County Hospital.
- A fast, efficient, regional transit system including BART, CalTrain, Light Rail and transit service for seniors and the disabled.
- Basic health care insurance for 1,000 uninsured Santa Clara County children.
- Pothole repair and other roadway improvements.
- Capacity upgrades and signal timing to serve the 850,000 commuters who use eight County expressways.
Brownstein also emphasized local accountability.
"By law, these funds cannot be taken away by the state or federal government," said Brownstein. "Measure A ensures fiscal accountability by requiring Annual Independent Audits, and an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee will monitor spending to ensure every dollar is spent efficiently and without waste."
Media Contact:
Dave Low
Director of Communications
Breathe California
408-998-5865
david@lungsrus.org