On Tuesday (Nov. 4), California voters approved Proposition 3, the Children's Hospital Bond Act of 2008, which will provide much needed funding for children's hospitals around the state. Proposition 3 authorizes $980 million in general obligation bonds to construct, expand and renovate 13 regional children's hospitals that focus on serious diseases and illnesses, purchase life-saving medical equipment for treating seriously ill and injured children, and make seismic upgrades. Approximately 20 percent of the funding will go to UC's five medical centers -- approximately $39 million for each hospital over the next 10 years.

UC President Mark G. Yudof issued the following statement today (Nov. 5):

"The continuing support of Californians for increased funding of our state's children's hospitals is very gratifying, especially in these tough economic times. This new funding will help expand and renovate California's children's hospitals to make more room to treat more children and add life-saving medical equipment to treat the most seriously ill and injured children in our state. UC children's hospital programs face escalating costs for hospital construction and technology needs as well as the growing number and clinical complexity of pediatric patients. Prop. 3 funds will help us meet these challenges."

For more information about Proposition 3 and UC's children's hospitals: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/prop3