Editor’s note: This is one of seven issue-focused voter’s guides based on data from the City College Community Agenda. Check back often for the rest of the guides and the latest City Times Media election-related news and information.

As a pharmacy student at San Diego City College, Ramon Almaraz worries about how the current state of the U.S. health care system may impact his career. 

“What is stopping us from being more compassionate for people that cannot access health(care) very easily?” Almaraz, 19, told City Times Media in August. 

Almaraz isn’t alone, with 49.6% of City College students, faculty and staff agreeing that healthcare and reproductive rights are among the most important issues in this election, according to October City Times Media data.

The City College Community Agenda is compiling the responses to a survey completed by City College community members. It is designed to identify issues and elicit questions that City Times Media reporters use to engage political candidates and focus their election reporting.

San Diego County has two proposals on the 2024 ballot that could change healthcare for the entire region. However, two leading issues not found on the ballot this year are abortion rights and universal health care.

Below is the City Times Media voter’s guide for those concerned about healthcare. 

State Propositions:

Proposition 34:

This initiative proposes certain providers use prescription drug revenue on direct patient care.

Fiscal Impacts: 

Increased state costs, likely in the millions of dollars annually, to enforce new rules on certain health care entities. Affected entities would pay fees to cover these costs. – Official Voter Information Guide

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Proposition 35:

Prop. 35 would cement current Medi-Cal health care services at the existing funding rate. Gov. Gavin Newsom is quoted being on both sides but has yet to make a definite statement.

Fiscal Impacts: 

In short term, increased funding for Medi-Cal and other health programs between roughly $2 billion and $5 billion annually (including federal funds). Increased state costs between roughly $1 billion to $2 billion annually to implement funding increases. 

In the long term, unknown effect on state tax revenue, health program funding, and state costs.  Fiscal effects depend on many factors, such as whether the Legislature would continue to approve the tax on health plans in the future if Proposition 35 is not passed by voters. – Official Voter Information Guide