FIRST 5 LA’S RESPONSE TO GOV. JERRY BROWN’S BUDGET PROPOSAL

"It would be a shame to see much-needed services for the children of Los Angeles County be eliminated or severely curtailed by the diversion of First 5 funds," Martinez said. "While we support Gov. Brown in his attempt to remedy the state's budget shortfall, we hope he and state legislators remain mindful of the important safety-net services for children that the voter-approved Proposition 10 Commissions provide."

This year's proposed re-allocation of $1 billion in state and local Proposition 10 fund balances to the state General Fund, and the attempt to hijack 50 percent of the revenue stream in future years, would have a disproportionate impact on L.A. County since First 5 LA receives the largest share of the revenues based on its large 0-5 population. Because Proposition 10 revenues are declining, First 5 LA funds programs on a multi-year basis to ensure adequate resources are in place and sustained to serve children. If voters approve the diversion of funds that support local programs for children in a planned June 2011 special election, it will mean those services will be eliminated or significantly reduced.

"By taking resources from First 5, the governor's plan would penalize commissions that practice fiscal responsibility by funding long-term agreements that ensure the ongoing stability of essential services, such as doctor's visits, immunizations, dental care, child abuse prevention efforts and early childhood education," Martinez said. "While we understand the state's fiscal crisis demands drastic measures, more L.A. County families than in the past are in dire straits and depend on the crucial services we fund for the health and well-being of their infants, toddlers and preschoolers - our most vulnerable citizens."

This is not the first funding grab attempt from First 5. In 2009, Proposition 1D, which would have diverted $550 million in First 5 funding to state programs, was defeated by voters 66 to 34 percent. Prior to that, in earlier elections, voters twice chose to use Prop 10 tobacco tax revenues to fund early childhood programs to maintain a local safety net and improve the well-being of young children. In October, First 5 LA and other state Proposition 10 commissions responded to a child care crisis for approximately 6,788 children 0-5 in L.A. County by committing transitional funding for CalWORKs Stage 3 child care services after then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger slashed $256 million from the welfare-to-work program. First 5 LA funds are used to ensure the safety, academic success and health of young children.