Statement on Governor's Budget Proposal by Evelyn V. Martinez, Executive Director of First 5 LA: |
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The Governor should be given credit for recycling. Unfortunately, what he's chosen to recycle in his budget proposal is a failed ballot measure from last year that tried to scoop up millions of dollars in local First 5 funding for children and families. Proposition 1D was voted down because voters recognized a basic fact: It doesn't make sense to strip money from local children's programs and give it to the state. The Governor said in his speech that 'the children are our future.' But it will be a dark future if the state Legislature allows this proposal to seize First 5 funding to go forward. Local communities throughout California depend on First 5 funding for health coverage for children, child abuse prevention efforts, and early education. Losing this funding will push California farther and farther behind in the competition to have the healthiest, best-educated workforce in the nation. |
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