Los Angeles, CA (January 14, 2026) – First 5 LA President and CEO, Karla Pleitéz Howell released the following statement in response to the proposed FY26-27 California state budget by Governor Newsom:
“We applaud Governor Newsom’s proposal to maintain and implement existing investments to support family-serving systems, even as the state confronts federal funding cuts and a volatile economy. California families are facing real uncertainty. As federal leaders threaten to pull back critical child care funding and economic supports relied on by tens of thousands of working families, now more than ever California must protect and strengthen investments in essential programs that support the learning, health, and well-being of young children as well as the financial stability of their parents and caregivers.
“First 5 LA looks forward to engaging with the legislature and the Governor to ensure the immediate and long-term needs of young children and their families continue to be prioritized.”
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