FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
Contact: Marlene Fitzsimmons
Phone: 213.482.7807
Los Angeles, CA (May 15, 2025) – First 5 LA President and CEO, Karla Pleitéz Howell released the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s May Revision to the FY25-26 California state budget:
“First 5 LA recognizes the difficult fiscal decisions reflected in the revised budget proposal but urges Governor Newsom and state lawmakers to consider the impact of cuts to programs and services that support the health and well-being of our youngest children, their families, and the early childhood educators who provide essential care and enriching learning experiences. These choices will disproportionately affect immigrant communities, many of whom are working families raising young children and contributing significantly to the strength and growth of California’s economy.
“Cutting vital food assistance programs for immigrant families, and freezing Medi-Cal enrollment as well as adding a premium for undocumented adults undermines our Californian values. A recent survey conducted by the California Community Foundation demonstrated that more than two-thirds of voters support providing these and other essential services to all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status.
“At First 5 LA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to immigrant and mixed-status families who are integral members of our communities, our workforce, and the cultural richness of Los Angeles County and California. Ensuring they have equitable access to services is essential to our mission and to the well-being of all young children.
“While we appreciate that the May Revise maintains funding for the full implementation of universal transitional kindergarten for all four-year-olds and investments in literacy programs with a focus on supporting multilingual learners, there are still threats to critical safety net programs and vital supports like health care, early care and education, and family services which remain out of reach for far too many.”
