First 5 and the State Budget 2010-11

 

Thanks to everyone who has written letters, talked with legislators, and testified before Committees...neither the Assembly nor Senate Budget Committees approved the Governor's proposal (see below) to put Prop 10 on the June ballot.

However, additional attempts to divert Prop 10 revenues are underway.

Check back for updates!

 

 

THE PROPOSAL

The Governor's proposal included a major shift in Prop 10 funds away from First 5 and into the state General Fund.

The proposal was designed to:

  • Take $308 million through a one-time take away from current state and local resources
  • Redirect $242 million from new revenues each year for 5 years, beginning 2010-11
  • Specified that the revenues will be used for children 0-5 in programs operated by the State Departments of Social Services (DSS) and Developmental Services (DDS)
  • For year one of the diversion, revenues would be used by the DSS and the DDS. How these funds would be directed after year one remained unspecified.
  • Take $1.2 billion from local First 5 funded children's programs statewide
  • Place a ballot measure on the June 8 ballot to accomplish this

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IMPACT ON SHASTA COUNTY

Over the past ten years, First 5 Shasta has grown its local investment in young children and families to $14 million. This investment has been applied to programs, services, and resources in Shasta County alone. These investments include:

  • Early oral health education and prevention activities
  • Decreasing early exposure to violence (including media violence)
  • Education and support for mothers and their children at the domestic violence shelter
  • Parent support and case management for young fathers on probation
  • Decreasing early childhood obesity
  • Literacy
  • Substance abuse screening and intervention for pregnant women
  • School readiness
  • Preventing child abuse and neglect - support for at-risk families
  • Breastfeeding support and education
  • Home visiting and mental health services for new parents struggling to bond with child

Should Propsotion 10 revenues be diverted, First 5 Shasta's ability to fund these prevention and early intervention efforts will be dramatically diminished.

Impact Report - First 5 Progress

First 5 has made remarkable progress in the 10-county Northwest Region of California, of which First 5 Shasta is a part. "The Impact of First 5 in California's Northwest Region" reveals success in reaching young children and parents throughout the region. A direct result of local First 5 funding is the strengthening of the health, education, and social conditions of our young children, their families, and Northwest communities.

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How does First 5's investment in young children help the whole community? 

Early childhood is a unique time of life and presents a unique investment opportunity for our community.  When investments are made in the years of peak brain development, both children and communities benefit.  Children are better prepared for school and to become contributing members of society.  Plus, future need for spending on special education, welfare assistance and criminal justice becomes dramatically reduced.  As parents, policymakers, business people, caregivers, and community leaders, we must strive to promote healthy development in young children.  Focusing on a future in which the whole community thrives begins today, with our children.

For more information:  Costs and Benefits of Early Childhood Investment