As you are aware, the Governor recently released the 2010-11 budget.  This budget includes a proposal that over a five year period, more than $1.5 billion is diverted from Proposition 10 revenue to fund the State of California's General Fund obligations. First 5 Commissions, including First 5 San Mateo County, are funded by Proposition 10 to support local health care, early education and countless critical services for young children and families. In San Mateo County, the Governor's proposal would equate to a reduction of $18 million to fund local programs.

 

The Governor's proposal shifts approximately 50 percent of Prop 10 funding for the next five years and also includes "a one time sweep of state and local reserves" estimated at $308 million.  This proposal may destabilize many health, public safety and early education programs in San Mateo County and throughout California.  More than 2.7 million core children's health and education programs will be at risk.

 

Since approving Proposition 10 in 1998, California voters have rejected similar proposals to redirect the initiative, with the most recent rejection in May 2009.  Next Tuesday, January 26th, the Senate Budget Committee will hear the Governor's proposal to divert Prop 10 revenues to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services.  It is critical that the Committee members receive as many letters as possible expressing opposition to the Governor's plan.  Just recently Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg responded to the Governor's proposal by saying "To show the lack of creativity...the Governor goes right back to Prop 10 and Prop 63. And as I remember, we tried that last year.  And the voters said no." 

 

Please send letters to all members of the Senate Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee and to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee (click on each committee for links to the members and their contact information).