Evie’s Desk: Forgetting Californians’ Commitment to ChildrenMarch 1, 2010 |
Printer-friendly version |
 In 1998, as emerging science showed us what happens when we neglect vulnerable children, Californians made a bold and venerable move. We, as a people, decided to protect the needs of children and to create a special fund solely dedicated to their health and well being. Voters passed Proposition 10, a 50 cent tax on cigarettes and tobacco and made a financial pledge to our state's children that we would not abandon them. But when the chips are down, some of our elected officials grab for what they can, forgetting that the people have made a commitment to children in the form of Prop 10. Last year when the budget crisis hit, state legislators placed Prop 1D on the ballot, requesting voters allow state legislators to redirect 50 percent of First 5 funds into the general fund. So voters had to remind them by sending a message that sounded something like this: "Remember? We made a commitment to our children? Just because the state budget needs have changed does not mean children's needs have changed. We stand by our original pledge to protect kids." The people voted no on 1D. But situational amnesia seems to be pervasive in Sacramento. Once again some elected officials see First 5 dollars, not as protected monies set aside for the well being of children, but as easy filler for a mismanaged state budget. The governor announced Prop 10 dollars as part of his budget solution and Sen. David Cox has gone so far as to introduce a bill - one in a series for him - to divert First 5 funds to other programs. One thing is clear. In California, the concern for the needs of children can be easily dwarfed when panicked elected officials nervously look for solutions. And like anyone in a state of duress, they forget. It's up to us to remind our leaders that we, the citizens of California, have collectively made a commitment to our children. The First 5 Association provides downloadable postcards to help us remind our leaders of our commitment to children and send other messages about the vital programs funded by First 5 Commissions. Click here to learn more. Evelyn V. Martinez Executive Director ### "Evie's Desk" is a regular feature of our weekly newsletter, "Monday Morning Report". Subscribe now or view past issues.
|
|
Comments
Post new comment