This story is part of a series from Public Matters, a reporting project in collaboration with KPBS. Read more stories here.
A nonprofit pushing for bolstered child care access, local health care organizations, labor unions and two wealthy San Diegans are fueling the Measure B campaign.
Measure B is a proposed countywide half-cent sales tax that would fund health care, child care, Tijuana River sewage solutions, public safety and food benefits.
Here’s a breakdown of the major funders of the campaign, which has reported pulling in more than $3.4 million through Oct. 28.
Children First San Diego – $670,000
This 501(c)4 nonprofit is focused on increasing child care options, supporting providers and child development. The nonprofit’s primary funder is the Bay Area-based Heising-Simons Action Fund.
Mel Katz – $579,252
Longtime San Diego power player Mel Katz chairs the San Diego Foundation. Early this year, Katz gave the Yes on B committee two loans totaling $500,000. Separate from those loans, he and his staffing company Manpower have also donated $79,252 to the committee. Katz is also a donor to Voice of San Diego.
Irwin Jacobs – $325,000
Irwin Jacobs is the co-founder of Qualcomm and a longtime local philanthropist. He is also a donor to Voice.
Sharp HealthCare – $305,000
The local health care juggernaut is among the hospital groups across the region worried about how federal Medicaid cuts could impact patient care and operations. Measure B is designed to help address those concerns.
Service Employees International Union Local 221 and affiliated committees – $256,378
The county’s largest labor union has been a leading champion behind Measure B.
San Diego Foundation – $250,000
The philanthropic organization has been a key backer of Measure B.
United Domestic Workers of America Action Fund – $250,000
This committee is affiliated with the union for home health care workers, a line item supported in the proposed sales tax measure.
Scripps Health – $100,000
Like Sharp, Scripps is worried about the impact of federal Medicaid cuts that Measure B is designed to help address locally.