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Press Release: First 5 LA Commission Opposes Proposition 1D

April 14, 2009
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LOS ANGELES------------ The First 5 LA Commission approved a resolution declaring its opposition to Proposition 1D on the May 19 ballot because of its impact on the future funding of local programs that promote the well-being of young children. First 5 LA serves more than a half-million children and families a year in Los Angeles County.

If approved by voters in the upcoming special election, Proposition 1D would reduce funding for the state and local First 5 commissions by $268 million annually for five years, beginning in July. The money would be diverted to the state general fund for state-operated health and human services programs.

"With unemployment on the rise, families are increasingly relying on safety net services funded by First 5 commissions in local communities, including health insurance coverage, affordable preschool and daycare, and safety programs for our county's most at-risk families," according to Evelyn V. Martinez, executive director of First 5 LA. "A reduction or elimination of these programs could significantly impact the state's fragile safety net for vulnerable children."    

Proposition 1D reduces First 5 LA's revenue by more than 60 percent the first year, from an anticipated $120 million to $45.2 million. By 2014, Proposition 1D would take up to 70 percent of First 5 LA's funding, an estimated total cut of $620 million.
As a result, funding for local programs for children in future years may be drastically reduced, serving significantly fewer children and families in L.A. County. Some programs could be eliminated entirely.

Prop 1D poses an immediate funding threat to First 5 LA's School Readiness Initiative, which serves more than 54,000 children and families, because the measure would divert First 5 California Commission revenues that support efforts that prepare children for kindergarten throughout the state.

In addition, funds could be restricted to only "direct" service programs, ending support for service capacity building, early education workforce development, preschool construction, and research and evaluation activities that validate program effectiveness.         

Approved by California voters in 1998, the California Children and Families First Act added a fifty-cent tax onto tobacco products. Eighty percent of the revenue generated was then directed to local county commissions established throughout the state to allocate the funds. 

In accordance with locally-adopted strategic plans, the funding provided by First 5 LA and other county commissions, supports health, safety and early education programs for children prenatal to five years of age and their families.

Over the past 10 years, the First 5 LA Commission has carefully considered the needs of Los Angeles County's children and has attempted to target programs and funding in areas where they will have the greatest positive local impact.

First 5 LA funds are granted to more than 100 local community organizations and agencies that provide direct safety net and prevention services to children and families.  The funds also are used to hire thousands of workers who serve children and families in local communities, and support about 3,000 jobs in L.A. County.

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