First 5 vs the State

First 5 Madera County makes a stand for children and voters and filed a lawsuit in opposition to the illegal grab of local dollars.

Why First 5 Filed Lawsuit?

• In 1998, California voters passed Proposition 10 which created First 5.

• Proposition 10 taxes tobacco products and uses the monies to set up a “trust fund” which  is completely separate from the state general fund.

 •  First 5 manages these tobacco dollars and fund programs and services that ensurechildren will enter school ready to learn.

 •  The intent of Proposition 10 is to expand and enhance, as well as fill gaps in servicesfor our children, NOT to fund existing services that are the responsibility of state and local entities.

 •  First 5 has been on the ballot three times and three times, voters have supported the intent and purpose of Proposition 10 (the most recent being Prop. 1D in May 2009).

 • Now, our state leaders want to circumvent the process and ignore the will of voters.

 • The Governor and Legislature have not only decided to illegally take $1 billion from the Children’s Trust Fund, but they are also proposing to use it in a manner that is inconsistent with the intent of Proposition 10.

 •  In Madera County, the grab translates to approximately $17 million from the Children’s Trust Fund.

 • First 5 Madera County refuses to go along with Sacramento and is taking a stand for children and voters.

 •  We will not play political games and “negotiate” our children’s futures because we do not have that authority – the voters have spoken and we need to respect that.  

•  We adamantly oppose re-directing monies intended to be used at the local level to Sacramento – these are local dollars and should be controlled locally. 

Basic info on First 5:

• First 5 Madera County (sometimes referred to as the Children and Families Commission) is an independent public entity governed by a board of 9 commissioners and services the entire county. 

•  The state of California collects the tobacco taxes and distributes it to each county based on birthrate. Each county has its own First 5 Commission to identify local issues and find local solutions.

 •  Annually First 5 Madera receives approximately $2 (m) million  

• We currently fund about 11 contracts with service providers 

Visit our frequently asked questions for more information about First 5