COUNTY OF SAN MATEO Inter-Departmental Correspondence
Board of Supervisors
DATE:		September 2, 2008
BOARD MEETING DATE:		September 9, 2008
SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:		No
VOTE REQUIRED:		Majority
TO:	Honorable Board of Supervisors
FROM:	Rich Gordon
SUBJECT:	Resolution Proposition 10 Funding for First 5 of San Mateo County.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution supporting the preservation of the current Proposition 10 funding for First 5 San Mateo County programs and opposing any efforts to divert or reprogram proposition 10 funds.
VISION ALIGNMENT:
Goal(s): 23 Leaders throughout the County provide the impetus for broader regional solutions in land use, housing, childcare, education, health and transportation.
BACKGROUND:
Proposition 10, also known as the California Children and Families First Act, was passed by voters in 1998 to provide locally targeted funding for community health care, quality child care and education programs for young children and families, and assistance to pregnant women and parents of young children who want to quit smoking.
DISCUSSION:
State legislators continue to look at the money generated by Proposition 10 (a 50 cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes and a comparable tax on other tobacco products that generates approximately $590 million annually state-wide) as they try to balance their budget. Among other things, the San Mateo County First 5 Commission has used Prop. 10 dollars to fund the School Readiness Initiative and Children’s Health Initiative Premiums. This funding is critical to the welfare of San Mateo County children.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.