‘They saved my life’: Rally supports extending KC’s healthcare levy that helps poor
Frontline healthcare workers, faith leaders, community activists and union leaders rallied outside of University Health Truman Medical Center Monday morning to show support for extending Kansas City’s healthcare levy.
“The polls in Kansas City will open at 6 o’clock tomorrow morning and voters across Kansas City will have an opportunity to invest in the vital service that keeps our community safe and healthy,” said Ralph Stovall, a floor technician who has worked at the hospital for nearly 11 years.
“University Health receives over $13 million every year from this health levy to keep their doors open and serve our community,” he said. “This law allows University Health to provide job and security for many frontline workers today.”
The levy also provides smaller amounts to fund ambulance services and local clinics like Samuel Rodgers Health Center, Swope Health and others.
The tax is 22 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. If approved, the tax will be renewed for nine years. Voting “no” would get rid of the tax and remove a funding source from local clinics and ambulance services.
The tax, which was first approved by voters in 2005, was last renewed in 2013. It helps support healthcare for the working poor and the uninsured. Healthcare services include prenatal and pediatric clinics, oral health services, mental health services and emergency care.
Around 89,000 residents benefit from the health levy tax every year, according to the city.
Mayor Quinton Lucas and nine City Council representatives support the passage of extending the health care levy and another ballot measure to raise $750 million for the purpose of “rehabilitating, expanding and improving” the city’s sewer system.
Kenya Banks with the union group Stand Up KC, said she has worked in the fast food industry for 30 years and the large companies never provide her health care. In 2014, she was prescribed with a medical condition but couldn’t afford the prescribed antibiotics.
A couple years later, she collapsed while at work and was taken to the hospital. She was referred to a specialist but when she showed up to her appointment, she was told it would cost her $280. She only made $8.75 an hour at that time.
“I left in tears,” she said. “I didn’t know what will happen next.”
A couple months later, she started bleeding and was rushed to the hospital where she had an emergency surgery. She was told that she would have died if she didn’t come in when she did.
“I’m thankful to University Health and the hospital staff who took care of me,” she said. “They saved my life and that’s why I’m here today.”
She was there to encourage everyone to vote for the health levy because it would provide health care for the poor and working class like her.
Banks said she also wanted to be in attendance as a show of solidarity with hospital workers.
The rally on Monday at times turned into a union rally, with organizers calling for workers’ rights and for the city to monitor the use of the health levy funds.
“University Health must provide a safe and respectful workplace for all workers,” Stovall said. “With increased transparency, Kansas City residents will know they are supported, care for by their community.”
This story was originally published April 4, 2022 at 3:09 PM.
