Policy Picks

First lady Michelle Obama has joined forces with the surgeon general and the Department of Health and Human Services to launch a national campaign addressing national childhood obesity.

First 5 LA has put together a recap of the several video interviews featuring L.A. County parents and grantees who spoke up against the proposed First 5 funding grab in Sacramento.

Legislators exclude Governor’s proposed redirection of First 5 funding from current budget solutions; Cox bill dies in committee.

President Obama's proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget includes several spending increases that could benefit young children. Learn about the potential impacts in the early care and education field.

Legislators continue to seek midyear budget solutions; Cox introduces bill to grab First 5 funding; readers encouraged to join efforts to save First 5 programs.

First 5 LA interviewed several  of the many parents, grantees and stakeholders who testified on behalf of First 5 at the California Assembly budget subcommittee hearing in Sacramento.

More than 50 First 5 grantees and parents testified against the governors proposal to divert First 5 funds, before a state Assembly committee. See video of the testimony.

California Senate Democrats recently took a significant step towards preserving early childhood programs by approving a set of budget solutions that spared First 5 funding.

Evie recounts some of what was heard at the state Assembly budget hearing. Parents came from all walks of life, from compact urban areas to rural towns to big cities to testify. 

Advocates from across the state came together in Sacramento last week to testify at a California Senate budget hearing in opposition to a plan to divert Proposition 10 funding.

Community advocates are speaking out against Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to take First 5 funding away from early childhood programs.

This month, Congress begins the difficult task of hammering together a compromise between the Senate and House's respective health care bills. Learn more about what aspects concern children

The Early Learning Challenge Fund would provide the opportunity to further strengthen ongoing efforts at the state and local levels to improve the quality of early care and education sites.

A proposed ballot measure could drastically reduce funding for early childhood programs throughout California. Learn about the California Cancer Research Act and how it might hurt families.

The House has passed H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act, but what does it mean for children? Learn about the pros and cons for kids in the current Health Insurance reform bill.

The Commission on the 21st Century Economy recently made recommendations to the Governor on how to prevent the boom and bust revenue cycles in California that could financially challenge families.

First 5 LA actively supported 12 proposed laws during this year’s legislative session; eight of these baby-friendly bills made it to the Governor’s desk. Learn more about these bills and how you can support them.

Last Tuesday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law AB 1422, which will help keep the Healthy Families program intact for at least one more year. Learn more.

The influence of Promotores on community health is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn more about a resolution that would declare October 2009 California Promotores Month.

First 5 LA has been working to ensure our young children's needs are not lost in the health care debate by preparing a Statement of Health Care Reform Principles. Learn more about what it says.

Part of the federal Early Learning Challenge Fund that was introduced in the House of Representatives in July offered much needed support of states' early care and education quality improvement systems.

Home visitation, a strategy for engaging families with young children, is receiving significant attention from legislators. Learn more about how First 5 LA is implementing this strategy.

SB 257 (Pavley – Santa Monica) will raise awareness of lactation accommodations for state employees and will enforce existing law in a non-punitive and educational manner.

While most consumers believe that everyday products are free of toxic chemicals, the reality is many children's products contain them. Learn about a recent piece of legislation that might ban one of these. 

First 5 LA has been tracking President Obama's 2010 federal budget that was released in May, and we are happy to report that many of the line items are focused on children and families. Learn more details.

Is your agency seeking stimulus dollars to support children 0-5? First 5 LA would like to help. Click here to take our survey.

The First 5 Association of California issued a statement in response to voters' rejection of Proposition 1D, which sought to divert First 5 revenues to the state general fund.

On May 19, Californians will vote on Proposition 1D which, if passed, will redirect more than 60 percent of First 5 funding to the general fund. Learn more about how 1D could impact First 5's throughout the state.

Federal legislation would increase tax credits for employer-provided early care and education facilities, double the maximum federal child care tax credit and establish tax credits for college graduates working in the field.

Autism is treatable and early diagnosis can change a child's life. SB 383 authored by Senator Carol Liu (D-Glendale) will assist in the early identification so young children can receive needed services.