CFRA News Release - First 5 and Healthy Start Legislation to be Heard in Committees

April 4, 2011

First 5 and Healthy Start Legislation To Be Heard in Committees   

It's officially spring which in Sacramento means lot's of bill hearings! CFRA (California Family Resource Association) is tracking a large number of bills and will continue to update as necessary. This week we have hearings on two bills that are of importance.  

To have your voice heard simply fax the sample letters on your organization letterhead by Wednesday, April 6th. 

AB 486 (Dutton) - Oppose - First 5

AB 486 seeks to abolish First 5 county commissions as well as First 5 California. Authored by Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Inland Empire), the bill would redirect all future Proposition 10 dollars away from children's programs currently supported by First 5 commissions to support state-funded programs. The measure requires voter approval.  

SB 486's grab of the remaining Proposition 10 funding would immediately wipe out all local programs funded by First 5 commissions throughout California. These include numerous health and development services, as well as programs that provide child care, early education, support for at-risk families, child abuse prevention, home visitation, early intervention for children with special needs, parenting education, family literacy and nutrition and anti-obesity efforts.

The bill is identical to previous failed legislation authored by the late Sen. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks) that also sought to end First 5 programs. Those bills were rejected at every turn by committee members after numerous parents and children's advocates spoke up against them.

CFRA has prepared a sample letter, simply click here, customize the letter, put on your organization letterhead and fax to the numbers provided. If you will be impacted by the elimination of First 5 it is important that you make your voice heard!  

AB 760 (Gordon) - Support - Healthy Start

AB 760 would make a number of improvements to the Healthy Start program, including:

1) renaming the program the Healthy Start Community Schools Program,

2) requiring a rigorous planning process to ensure long term partnerships and sustainability,

3) requiring additional commitments from applicant school districts,

4) requiring partnerships with county organizations (e.g., Health and Human Services) and closer alignment with other children's and family support initiatives, and

5) revamping the program outcomes and evaluation process.

The bill does not fund any of these changes but lays important groundwork for when funding does become available again.