Thread: Governor, GOP Target First 5

This is wonderful news to me!!! This organization has frustrated me to no end! If it didn't support illegal immigrants I'd be all for it. But this is not the case.

Governor, GOP Target First 5
Critics Say Programs Mismanaged

POSTED: 5:56 am PST January 13, 2009
UPDATED: 10:13 am PST January 13, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Republican lawmakers are zeroing in on billions of dollars they'd like to seize from California's First 5 programs for kids.

Voters approved the preschool-like programs for needy kids with a 50-cent-a-pack tax on cigarettes.

But critics said First 5 has been mismanaged and is sitting on millions of dollars that could help solve California's $42 billion budget deficit.
http://www.kcra.com/politics/18469055/d ... c&psp=news

Dear Friend of First 5 California,

More than half a million children are born every year in California. In each life is an unlimited amount of potential – to grow-up healthy, to do well in school and to succeed. First 5 California believes in tapping into that potential during a child’s earliest years and working to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to thrive.

That’s why we’re here. First 5 California and 58 County Commissions throughout the state work to improve the lives of children from the time they are in the womb until they enter kindergarten.

Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically during the early years of life. We’ve worked hard to educate parents and caregivers about the important role they play in their children’s first years. First 5 California’s programs are designed to meet its goal of ensuring more children are born healthy, raised in nurturing homes and ready to succeed in school.

We are moving mountains. From providing educational resources for expectant parents to expanding preschool opportunities throughout the state, at First 5 California we are successfully meeting our goal of serving all California’s children regardless of their ethnic, geographical, socio-economic, or immigration status, and including children with disabilities and other special needs. It is our duty to remain bold, committed and focused. And when we succeed, we succeed together. After all, our children depend on it.

We are proud of First 5 California’s accomplishments to date, but our job is certainly not done. We are confident that we will meet the new challenges that await us and that we will succeed in giving California's youngest children the futures they deserve.

Thank you,

David Kears
Vice Chair, First 5 California Children and Families Commission

Kris Perry
Executive Director, First 5 California
http://www.ccfc.ca.gov/

Yeah, with 144,000 residence leaving every year because of the fiscal mess, I would be looking at every corrupt area and waste.