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Dear Friend of First 5,
Save the date: The Assembly Budget Committee will hear the Governor's proposal to put Prop 10 on the ballot on Wednesday, February 10, 1:30 pm in Room 4202 of the State Capitol.
We urge you to write letters to the members of the Committee and hope you or your colleagues can attend the hearing to let the Legislature know it is a TERRIBLE idea to move funds from local First 5 programs to state programs - either way young children lose. See below for hearing details and letter-writing information.
Last Tuesday, the Governor's proposal was heard in the Senate Budget Committee. Prop 10 was one of many issues on that day's agenda and, unfortunately, didn't come up until nearly 6 pm. Many of our witnesses had to leave to catch planes and drive home to their kids, but a number of First 5 advocates were still present and offered moving and effective testimony.
Several Committee members showed support for First 5, but at the same time were very worried about finding revenues to keep numerous state programs alive, meaning Prop 10 clearly remains at risk.
Worse, the Legislative Analyst staff announced their recommendation that the Legislature go beyond the Governor's proposal to make the diversion of Prop 10 funds permanent and to increase the amount diverted to cover another $110.5 million in the 2010-11 budget. The LAO argued that Prop 10 merely expands and enhances programs, and that the funds are needed at this time to preserve the basic programs.
It is critical to show the Assembly Budget Committee that: First 5 programs are a key part of the safety net for vulnerable children. First 5 programs meet needs that no state programs meet. First 5 programs reduce pressure on state-funded services through prevention and early intervention. First 5 leverages millions of dollars, bringing much-needed federal and other funds into county departments and provider organizations.
To testify at the hearing:
Come to Room 4202 of the State Capitol at 1:30 pm on Wed. February 10. Be prepared to wait; we probably won't know the order of the agenda until shortly before the hearing. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss your testimony. The Committee Chair will likely limit testimony to 2 or 3 minutes.
To write letters:
Write to Assembly Budget Committee Chair Noreen Evans and Vice Chair Jim Nielsen. Also write to any Committee members who represent your Assembly District.
Addresses:
Honorable Noreen Evans
Chair, Senate Budget Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Honorable Jim Nielsen
Vice Chair, Senate Budget Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
All other members can be addressed at:
Honorable ________________
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Click on the links in the box below to go to the members' websites or the "find my representative" site if you are unsure who your Assembly members are.
For sample letters, talking points, and background information, go to "First 5 and the State Budget" on the Association website. Click on the red box on the right side of our home page, www.F5AC.org or click here.
Thanks for your help and support of First 5,
Sherry Novick
First 5 California Association |
| Assembly Budget Committee Members |
Noreen Evans, Chair, Jim Neilson, Vice Chair, Anthony Adams, Juan Arambula, Jim Beall,
To find your Assembly Member, click on Find My District and then click on the tab on the left side of the page. |
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Stay Updated! |
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For more information and to stay updated, go to www.F5AC.ORG and click on the red "First 5 and the State Budget" box on the right side of our homepage. |
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