Oct 25 Support Letter for First 5 Stabilization Fund

October 25, 2024

First 5 California
2389 Gateway Oaks Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833

Re: Support for the establishment of a $25 million Stabilization fund for local First 5 California County Commissions (First 5’s)

Dear Chair Albright,

On behalf of the County of Marin, we support the establishment of a one-time, $25 million Stabilization Fund for local First 5 County Commissions (First5s), in light of the serious fiscal threat to First 5 funding due to significantly decreased tobacco revenue. This stabilization fund would be available for First 5’s that need immediate support to maintain local services and infrastructure to serve California’s young children and their families.

First 5 California has historically been funded by tobacco revenues through Proposition 10. However, what has been a tremendous positive for public health in our state (a decline in tobacco use), has simultaneously put First 5’s in a precarious financial position. Tobacco revenues have declined so much that 60% of First 5’s report that they need to make cuts to their direct services and programs this year. This means cuts in services and programs for 90% of 0 to 5 year-olds in California.

The governing statute of First 5 allows the Commission to reallocate funding to the “Unallocated Account” to be spent to promote, support, and improve the early development of children 0 to 5. Considering this expressly authorized flexibility and the unprecedented revenue decline that is jeopardizing the future of the First 5 Network, we support the proposal to place funds into the one-time $25 million Stabilization Fund.

The County of Marin is committed to strong preschool, day care, and childcare opportunities for children in our community, and statewide. Our Board has historically supported expanding childcare slots, improving local facilities, and increasing childcare provider wages and rates. For these reasons, the Marin County Board of Supervisors urges the establishment of the proposed $25 million Stabilization Fund to support local First 5 California County Commissions and ensure that families receive the critical support they need in childcare and early childhood development, especially in the critical first five years of life.

Sincerely,

Dennis Rodoni, President
Marin County Board of Supervisors

Cc: Marin County Board of Supervisors
      Senator Mike McGuire
      Assemblymember Damon Connolly