Machado's bill would authorize $6.9 billion in borrowing through a type of bond that do not require voters' approval. The debt would be repaid over 25 years, with average annual interest payments of $527 million, according to a Senate analysis.
The plan calls for an additional $100 million from the state's general fund.
In a letter to Machado last Thursday, Henderson said he had heard that support for SB 1665 "may be wavering" in light of questions about the proposed settlement to reduce overcrowding.
He asked the senator to communicate to colleagues "the urgency" of approving the legislation.
Henderson wrote that the settlement, with which he is also involved, would not eliminate the need for new medical facilities to improve healthcare.
While acknowledging that the receiver's proposal "asks for a significant amount of funds," the judge called it "an appropriate, cost-effective plan" that could be scaled back later if possible.
"I have directed my Receiver to continue working with you and other members of the Legislature to ensure the bill's expedited passage," the judge wrote.
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michael.rothfeld@latimes.com
