The issuance of $2,500,000,000 Hospital District bonds for acquiring, constructing, equipping and enlarging the District’s hospital system, including improving, renovating and developing (A) the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital campus, including a replacement hospital with a Level I capable trauma center, (B) the Ben Taub Hospital campus and (C) District clinics and health centers; and the acquisition of land for authorized system purposes; and the levying of a tax sufficient to pay for the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs of any credit agreements executed in connection with the bonds.
Explanation:
This countywide ballot proposition is a $2.5 billion bond issue in support of a 12-year improvement and expansion plan for the Harris County Health System. Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to present this bond issue to the electorate. If approved by voters, bond funds plus a combination of $400,000 from system cost savings and philanthropic efforts will fund the plan to improve and expand Harris Health System’s facilities. The bond translates to an approximate two cent tax increase for property owners over the next decade—about $6 a month or $70 a year for homeowners of a $300,000 property.
Proponents of the bond proposal note the urgent need for comprehensive, well-planned health services in Harris County and praise the community collaborations that will support the anticipated services. However, some have raised concerns about establishing facility and service priorities. All Harris County voters may vote on this ballot issue.
Vote “yes”: if you are in favor of instructing Harris County to move forward with issuing bonds in support of the Harris County Health System.
Vote “no”: if you do not want Harris County to issue bonds in support of the Harris County Health System.
