I’d vote to abolish the entire First 5 boondoggle.
I would repeal any initiative that raised taxes (even sin taxes) and/or mandated spending (such as the ones mentioned in the article).
I would like to see changes in the initiative process so that any proposition (including bond spending) that imposed taxes or mandated spending requires a 2/3 majority for approval, the same requirement as on the legislature. Right now voters can increase taxes or mandate spending with a simple majority.
In other words, the whole process has become fouled and abused in CA!!! It says:"CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC" right on our state flag, yet this over-worked process is trying to change our state into a "direct democracy" that resembles "mob rule!" (agressive unions and communutty organizers come to mind)
It's what's feeding "group-think" in our politics and completely favors "special interest groups" which it was originally designed to "tamp down!"
“Proposition 1E would take funds from a 2004 ballot measure that hiked taxes on those earning more than $1 million. Those funds currently go toward mental health programs.”
California is as crazy as ever... I don’t think it’s working.
In our county, First 5 has provided core funding for 10 family resource centers throughout the county (6,300 square miles of mostly mountainous terrain.) The centers provide parenting courses, play groups, nutrition education, Path 1 early child abuse intervention (it is a voluntary program.) Home visitation services may be provided.
A new parent kit is given and welcoming contact is made with every new parent. Pregnant women are encouraged to get prenatal care and dental care. Some family resource centers offer special teen parenting courses and hold a community baby shower to connect young parents with support and resources.
Families in need of help are given emergency food and shelter or are referred to services provided under various programs. For instance, they found speciality services for a child who was profoundly deaf. First 5 provides incentives for early child care providers to attend college and courses in their field.
Our First 5 funds dental screenings and restorative treatment for children under 5. (They found that some children did not see a dentist until they were in high school and had severe problems. There is no medi-Cal dentist who will do children’s restorative work for hundreds of miles.) They also sign up eligible families for Healthy Families Insurance.
Fisr 5 funds kidergarten boot camp to acclimate children to kindergarten and to make sure they are prepared. For instance, pre-school teachers will meet with the kindergarten teachers to make sure there is a smooth transition. A school bus will pick up parents and kids at a summer event and take them to the school. The children will visit their new school room and meet their teacher. Each child will get a special backpack with supplies.
Personally, I think our local use of First 5 money is well spent. We have been able to leverage the money to get additional grants for our communities and it has provided us with an infrustructure to deliver other services locally.
Can’t stand Mr. Reiner, but this is a good program.
The Mental Health Services Act money has been used in our County to establish an outreach and services coordinator at each of the 10 family resource centers. A room has been set aside in each center as a drop-in center at minimal cost. (A neighboring county spent well over $200,000 to establish one center.) These types of centers have been found to be successful in recovery and less expensive than intensive services.
Again, it has worked for us.