Kittitas County hospital opposes I-1033

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Another hospital has come out against Initiative 1033.

Earlier this week, the board of commissioners of Kittitas Valley Community Hospital passed a resolution in opposition to Tim Eyman's I-1033, saying it would threaten the hospital's financial viability and hurt its ability to provide quality health services.

The Washington State Hospital Association projects that the Ellensbug hospital would see a reduction in Medicaid payments of more than $1.3 million over the next six years.

"We count on state funding from a variety of sources for health care services," Jack Baker, president of KVCH's board of commissioners, said in a news release.

"We are also concerned about the impact of I-1033 on emergency medical response, fire protection and other local government services critical to public safety and which we rely upon to provide patient care."

I-1033, which is before the voters in Tuesday's election, would cap revenue that state, county and municipal governments could collect from taxes and fees.

The revenue cap would be fixed at 2010 levels and could only rise to take into account inflation and population growth. Revenue above the cap would be used to reduce property taxes. Voters could approve spending above the cap.

"KVCH has joined an ever-growing chorus of voices in opposition to Initiative 1033," said Cassie Sauer, spokesperson for the Washington State Hospital Association. "This initiative takes away local control, slashes funding for health care and education, and makes the tough times we're experiencing even worse. Voters across the state should reject it."