Who’s Funding the Measure B Campaign?

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. 

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