Proposed measure would require Federally Qualified Health Centers to spend at least 90% of revenue on patient care and mission-related services
Proposed measure would require Federally Qualified Health Centers to spend at least 90% of revenue on patient care and mission-related services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 1, 2025
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, frontline community clinic healthcare workers submitted paperwork to place a statewide initiative on the November 2026 ballot that would increase transparency and improve care at community health clinics by ensuring more resources go directly to patients.
The initiative would require community clinics that are Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to devote at least 90% of their total revenue to direct patient care and mission-related services. It would also mandate that these clinics publicly report their financials and spending priorities.
Healthcare workers say the measure is necessary because too many community clinics are directing funds to executive perks and administrative overhead instead of investing in better staffing, equipment, and services for patients.
“We’re calling for accountability because frontline workers and patients at community clinics deserve better,” said Brisa Barrera, a healthcare worker at a community clinic in Santa Rosa. “Clinics receive public dollars to serve vulnerable populations, but when that money is siphoned off for bloated administrative costs, it’s the patients and workers who suffer. This measure ensures that resources go where they’re needed most: into the clinics and toward care.”
The initiative will now move through the state process to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.
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SEIU Local 721 represents more than 100,000 workers – making it the largest public sector union in Southern California. SEIU Local 721 represents people working in hospitals, foster care, mental health, courts, law enforcement, libraries, street services, beach maintenance, sanitation, water treatment, parks services, and watershed management.
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org