State money that was supposed to fund early intervention programs for children ages 5 and younger is increasingly being diverted to things it was never intended for.
In Sacramento, an uproar ensued after officials allocated about $745,000 from the First 5 program to the county's Division of Social Services, according to a story in the Sacramento Bee. First 5 was created in 1999 after voters approved an initiative that placed a 50-cent tax on cigarettes, to pay for early childhood programs.
The program has been touted as a great resource for parents by many, including WNBA superstar Lisa Leslie. But as state and local governments continue to grapple with the loss of tax revenue caused by the recession, dipping into the First 5 money to stem economic bleeding is apparently becoming too tempting to pass up.
And the Bee found that some are grumbling over this new sticky-fingerness:
It was not intended to be just one more funding stream to go into business as usual," said Sherry Novick, executive director of the First 5 Association of California, an organization representing the commissions statewide.
Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, however, says in these tough times the old rules shouldn't apply.
It's been very clear that the funds were not to be used to take the place of – or supplant – funding for programs otherwise provided by county government," MacGlashan said. "That was fine for many years. But we're in a different world now.
Last month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget proposal revealed his desire to redirect the First 5 money to the state's social workers. An analysis by the Legislature has essentially agreed with the governor's plan.
This mounting pressure may be prompting some local officials responsible for overseeing First 5 money to be less rigid in funding requests outside of the program's intent.
In Orange County, for example, officials are shedding their traditional approach of solely funding nonprofit requests. In December, they announced that First 5 funds will be used to pay off the student loan debt of area pediatricians.
Sacramento First 5 officials told the Bee that they are considering paying for law enforcement training and have begun including public safety officials in their budget talks.
It is a constant tension when dealing with tough financial times," said Supervisor Roger Dickinson, who has been on the commission since it formed and is the board's most outspoken advocate for preventative social service programs. "We often sacrifice tomorrow in order to address today.
Comments
via Twitter