{"id":2127,"date":"2026-05-16T11:01:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T11:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/16\/ballot-measure-to-cap-hospital-executive-pay-at-450000-qualifies-for-november-2\/"},"modified":"2026-05-16T11:01:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T11:01:25","slug":"ballot-measure-to-cap-hospital-executive-pay-at-450000-qualifies-for-november-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/16\/ballot-measure-to-cap-hospital-executive-pay-at-450000-qualifies-for-november-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Ballot measure to cap hospital executive pay at $450,000 qualifies for November"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n

A ballot measure that would cap hospital executives\u2019 compensation has qualified to appear on voters\u2019 ballots in November, according to Secretary of State Shirley Weber.<\/p>\n

Read more Al fresco dining in Sacramento, Cofer files complaint. Top Bee stories for May 15<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The proposal would limit executives and administrators at hospitals and physician groups to no more than $450,000 in total annual compensation, including bonuses, stock options and company vehicles. That amount would increase up to 3.5% annually based on inflation. Public hospitals would be exempt from the rule.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The plan is backed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, the same union driving the proposed billionaire wealth tax.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In a press release, the SEIU-UHW said executives are making multimillion dollar salaries while \u201cmedical costs are soaring, healthcare workers are struggling with low pay and poor working conditions, and patients are facing longer waits and lower-quality care.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The union\u2019s leader, Dave Regan, is known for using ballot measures as leverage to secure deals. Ballot measure backers have until June 25 to withdraw the measure, a period often defined by intense backroom negotiations between policy adversaries.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In this case, opponents include the California Hospital Association, which has backed that would limit healthcare unions spending on ballot measures without first gaining approval from members. The California Medical Association, which represents physicians, is also opposed to the executive compensation limits.<\/p>\n

Read more Sacramento\u2019s Sutter Health plans medical school in Silicon Valley<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In a statement, CHA President Carmela Coyle characterized the SEIU-UHW\u2019s proposed pay caps as \u201ccynical\u201d and predicted it would cause an exodus of nurses and doctors.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThis dangerous measure comes at exactly the wrong moment for Californians, and our coalition stands ready to defeat it at the ballot,\u201d Coyle said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n