FIRST 5 LA COMMISSION TO SUE STATE OVER FUNDING SHIFT

Citing that the cuts are illegal and go against the will of voters, the Los Angeles Commission, the state's largest Children and Families Commission better known as First 5, joins Orange, Fresno, Madera and Merced County Commissions, in filing lawsuits to stop the state action before funds have to be turned over next year.

"We adamantly oppose re-directing monies intended to be used at the local level, to Sacramento - these are local dollars and should be controlled locally," said First 5 LA Commission Chair and Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich. "In Los Angeles County, the grab translates to approximately $424 million in funds -- but by taking legal action, First 5 LA is standing up for our children."

First 5 LA will ask the courts to invalidate AB 99, legislation signed by the governor last month, requiring Commissions to give up the money. The First 5 Commissions contend that only voters have the authority to approve a state takeover of the funds, which provide services to young children. The funds were created from a Proposition 10 tobacco tax approved by voters in 1998.

"If left unchallenged, critical services to thousands of young children and their families in underserved communities will be severely limited," said Evelyn V. Martinez, chief executive officer for First 5 LA. "We believe we must take action to protect our children."

In 2009, voters rejected Proposition 1D that would have taken First 5 money out of the hands of local commissions but the state is again attempting to get around voter approval to take First 5 funds. There are 58 First 5 Commissions in California and the governor would take roughly half of each commission's fund balance as of July 30.

Click here to read a First 5 LA AB 99 lawsuit fact sheet.