Bleak Budget Pictures Make First 5 Funds an Easy Target
The state, county and local governments are turning to First 5 to preserve services for children that otherwise could face significant funding cuts or be eliminated altogether because of budget deficits. Voters created First 5 to administer proceeds of a state tobacco tax increase to fund early childhood health care and education programs.
- "California, Local Governments Covet First 5 Money" (Lewis, Sacramento Bee, 1/22).