Council Calls on State to Keep Funding Local
LOS ANGELES ----------The Los Angeles City Council passed a resolution introduced by Councilmembers José Huizar and Wendy Greuel today that opposes any efforts to resolve the state budget crisis by redirecting funds allocated by the voters for First 5 LA through Proposition 10, which provides programs for children ages 0-to-5 in education, health and school readiness. "We are so thankful to Councilmembers José Huizar and Wendy Greuel for being champions of children and families by introducing this resolution to council," said Evelyn V. Martinez, First 5 LA's executive director. "This resolution creates awareness about the important work that we do in our local communities that often goes unnoticed by many, but is critical to those who most benefit from the services we fund - the children," Martinez said. "Today is a special day for our families."
The L.A. City Council resolution highlighted the contributions and impact of First 5-funded initiatives that provide health care insurance, high-quality early childhood education, as well as safety and domestic violence prevention services. More importantly, the resolution urged that state elected officials preserve this valuable resource for local communities.
"As the mother of a four-year-old, I know that it's critical to provide a safe community along with quality health care and education for our children to learn and grow," said L.A. City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel.
"Last year, First 5 LA served 14,054 children in the City of Los Angeles through family literacy, school readiness, community development and health births initiatives. We need First 5 LA to continue to make long-lasting and profound impacts in the lives of our children," Greuel said.
According to Councilmember José Huizar, the diverse nature of Los Angeles demands local control and local solutions to issues affecting young children and their families. "When California voters approved Proposition 10 in 1998, they clearly signaled that the welfare of the state's children is their priority. We cannot balance the budget on the backs of the children and families who rely on First 5 LA for critical supportive programs and services."
The resolution comes during a time when state legislators are looking at additional sources of revenue - and some have raised the prospect of diverting Prop. 10 funds. "First 5 LA's funding must remain in tact so that local leaders can find local remedies to offset state budget cuts in L.A. County," Martinez said. "We want to be part of a state budget solution, but we can't do that if the state hamstrings us by diverting our funds."
For more information about First 5 LA's programs for parents and children call 1-888-FIRST5LA (1-888-347-7855) or visit www.first5la.org.
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