Policy Pick: New Cancer Initiative Could Harm Children's Programs

UPDATE (12/07/09, 12 p.m.): First 5 LA has just learned that the proposed California Cancer Research Act will be re-filed with the state Attorney General’s Office to include backfill provisions for Prop 10. We thank Mr. Perata and other supporters of the initiative for maintaining funding for First 5 commissions’ early childhood programs.

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Don Perata, a 2010 Oakland mayoral candidate and former president of the California state Senate, joined with cancer research and health advocates last month to launch the California Cancer Research Act, which aims to add an additional $1 tax on cigarette packs to fund smoking cessation efforts, research into tobacco-related diseases and other related programs. While well intended, the proposed initiative could deal a severe blow to Proposition 10-funded programs.

Historically, tobacco sales in California have decreased with the addition of a new tobacco tax, creating a corresponding decrease in revenues for all services supported by cigarette taxes. The new Cancer Research Cigarette Excise Tax has taken steps to offset that predictable loss by requiring that a portion of the revenue go towards "backfilling" two of the programs currently funded by cigarette taxes, Proposition 99 health programs and breast cancer research. However, no backfill is in place for Proposition 10 funded programs, which are funded by a similar 50-cent tax on tobacco products

The effect this would have on California's children could be devastating, creating a loss of tens of millions of dollars annually to First 5 commissions across the state.  First 5 LA predicts a $15 million reduction to local children and families programs. In uncertain economic times, the ability of California's First 5 Commissions to fill gaps in the safety net and provide security for thousands of low-income families is critical. State leaders have increasingly turned to these revenues to shore up these critical programs, including the state's Healthy Families program, during the current economic downturn. But new reductions as a result of the proposed cancer research initiative would jeopardize the sustainability of these programs.

Proposition 10 funds also are a critical element in reducing cigarette smoking in California. Because smoking is more prevalent among many of the priority populations supported by First 5 LA, integrating tobacco cessation services into First 5 programs across the state is a particularly effective way to improve the health status of young children. First 5 California also provides support for the California Smokers' Helpline, which counsels more than 100,000 callers each year. 

Proposed language for the California Cancer Research Act is currently under review by the state Attorney General's Office. To learn more about the proposed measure contact Ruel Nolledo at (213) 482-7505.

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