Policy Pick: L.A. Board of Supervisors Approves Resolution Supporting First 5 LAAugust 18, 2008 |
Printer-friendly version |
 Last Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution, introduced by Supervisor Don Knabe, to oppose efforts to resolve the state budget crisis by redirecting Proposition 10 funds away from First 5 LA. Proposition 10, approved by California voters in 1998, provides for a tax on tobacco to fund critical programs for children ages 0-to-5 in the areas of education, health and school readiness. Proposition 10 is administered and overseen locally by the First 5 LA Commission.The L.A. County Board of Supervisors' resolution highlighted the contributions of First 5 LA-funded initiatives and programs that provide health care insurance, high-quality early childhood education, and safety and domestic violence prevention services. The resolution also recognized First 5 LA's support of the Children's Planning Council, the Safe Surrender program, the Prevention Initiative Demonstration Project, and the county's preschool Steps to Excellence Program. Significantly, the resolution formally directed County legislative advocates in Sacramento to oppose efforts to divert or reprogram First 5 funds. "We greatly appreciate the efforts of Supervisor Knabe and his staff to introduce this resolution and advocate on behalf of First 5 LA and the children and families of L.A. County," said Evelyn V. Martinez, First 5 LA's executive director. "This resolution is a critical step toward protecting programs that provide a safety net to the most vulnerable children and families in our communities. |
|
