State Budget Update: Gov. Jerry Brown Unveils Budget Plan Today

According to media sources, Brown intends to slash a host of programs to balance the state's $28 billion deficit. Also included among the budget maneuvers will be an effort to take First 5 funding intended for young children, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Currently, First 5 LA and the other Children and Families Commissions in counties throughout the state use funding from Proposition 10 to support local health care programs, early education and other essential services for children 0 to 5 and their families. Recently, First 5 LA stepped in to provide bridge funding for children endangered by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's elimination of CalWORKs Stage 3 child care.

The governor's budget proposal is also expected to include a shift of state services to local counties, a redirection of funding intended for mental health care, cuts to the state's Medi-Cal program and more decreases to grants and child care in CalWORKs. It is also anticipated that the proposal will contain plans to call for a special election asking voters to extend tax hikes that state lawmakers approved last year as temporary increases.

In 2009, state leaders placed Proposition 1D on the ballot in an effort to take more than $550 million in First 5 funding and divert that money to state programs. Voters rejected the measure, ensuring that county commissions could continue to respond to the needs of local children and families hard hit by state budget cuts and the economic recession. A similar plan to take First 5 funds was made last year, but was later withdrawn after parents testified at the Capitol about the importance of First 5-funded programs to their families.

Check back at First 5 LA later this week for more information about the governor's budget plan as it becomes available. For more information, please contact Ruel Nolledo at rnolledo@first5la.org.

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