In the News

First 5 LA Commission Opposes Proposition 1D

The First 5 LA Commission has approved a resolution declaring its opposition to Proposition 1D on the May 19 ballot, citing its impact on the future funding of local programs that promote the well-being of young children.

First 5 LA, which funds Los Angeles Universal Preschool, serves more than a half-million children and families a year in Los Angeles County.

If approved by voters in the upcoming special election, Proposition 1D would reduce funding for the state and local First 5 commissions by $268 million annually for five years, beginning in July. The money would be diverted to the state general fund for state-operated health and human services programs.

"With unemployment on the rise, families are increasingly relying on safety net services funded by First 5 commissions in local communities, including health insurance coverage, affordable preschool and daycare and safety programs for our county's most at-risk families," stated Evelyn V. Martinez, Executive Director of First 5 LA. "A reduction or elimination of these programs could significantly impact the state's fragile safety net for vulnerable children."

Proposition 1D would reduce First 5 LA's revenue by more than 60 percent the first year, from an anticipated $120 million to $45.2 million. By 2014, Proposition 1D would take up to 70 percent of First 5 LA's funding, an estimated total cut of $620 million.

As a result, funding for local programs for children, including preschool education provided by LAUP at little or no cost to families, may be drastically reduced in future years, resulting in significantly fewer children and families being served in Los Angeles County. Some programs could be eliminated entirely.

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