April Update
Senate Health Hearing (SB 1109)
SB 1109 (Cox), which called for a ballot initiative to divert all Proposition 10 revenues to Healthy Families and Medi-Cal, was heard by the Senate Health Committee on April 14th. It failed passage, which means it is dead for this year. Former State Superintendent Delaine Eastin was the main speaker in opposition to the bill and provided powerful testimony. The committee analysis of the bill included an impressive roster of opposition that included Healthy Smiles, MOMS and Pretend City. The outreach efforts to the Senators on the Health Committee was effective, and several members noted that they are very familiar with what their county commissions are accomplishing and understand the importance of First 5 to California's children and families.
March Update
The Legislature did not agree to put Proposition 10 on the June ballot as the Governor proposed, and Senator Dave Cox’s proposed bill (SBX8 41) to divert the funds to Healthy Families and Medi-Cal was also defeated. Senator Cox stated that he will continue efforts to divert the funds for a “better use” and may propose another bill or make the argument in the context of the budget discussion. The Governor’s proposal had planned to divert Proposition 10 funds to pay for over $550 million in children’s services in the 2010-11 Budget, and assumed a further voluntary contribution from First 5 of $55.6 million for the Healthy Families program and $50 million for the Early Start program. We anticipate there will be further discussion of Proposition 10 revenues during the budget deliberations and expect some may call for putting an initiative on the November ballot. The majority of the Orange County delegation signed letters stating that they oppose diverting the funds, and we will continue our outreach to their offices.
February UpdateLast week dozens of health, education and child welfare advocates spoke out at the January 26 Senate Budget Committee hearing against the Governor’s proposal to redirect more than $1.5 billion in Prop 10 funding for the next five years.
The American Academy of Pediatrics – Orange County Chapter, Boys & Girls Clubs, HomeAid, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, MOMS, and Orange County Department of Education sent letters to the Senate Budget Committee members opposing the Governor’s budget proposal.
Assemblyman Jim Silva also offered his support to oppose diverting Prop 10 revenue to fund state programs. “As you well know, Orange County is a ‘donor county’ when it comes to state funding. Each year, Orange County contributes more tax dollars to the state than the county receives back from it. Rather than send more money from Orange County to Sacramento, I will fight to ensure that Prop 10 funds are not raided by the state.”
The State Assembly is tentatively scheduled to consider the issue during a hearing on Wednesday, February 10, 1:30 pm in Room 4202 of the State Capitol. For more information, please contact Kelly Pijl at Kelly.pijl@cfcoc.org.
January Update
On January 26, the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services will hear the Governor's proposal to divert Proposition 10 revenues to the Department of Developmental Services.
The Governor's 2010-11 budget includes diverting over $550 million of Proposition 10 revenue from state and county commissions to fund failing state programs. The impact of this action would seriously jeopardize successful local Proposition 10 funded programs. Examples of currently funded programs include dental care, school nurses, community clinics, medical specialists, and support to families that have lost their homes due to the crippling recession.
If this initiative were to pass in its present form, our ability to support local community organizations that provide health, education and developmental services to children and their families would be at risk.
Since approving it in 1998, California voters have turned back every attempt to repeal or redirect Proposition 10. Less than nine months ago, California voters overwhelmingly rejected a similar initiative that also called for cutting Proposition 10 revenues by 50% to fill gaps in the state budget.
The Governor's proposal now goes to the State Legislature for approval. If approved, a new proposition to redirect Proposition 10 funding would be included in the June 2010 election.