How the “Big Beautiful Bill” could impact California kids
On July 10, First 5 Association Executive Director Avo Makdessian was featured on Education Beat, the weekly podcast produced by EdSource, a trusted nonprofit newsroom focused exclusively on California education. Hosted by Zaidee Stavely, the episode explored how recent federal budget decisions could harm California’s children, especially in immigrant and low-income communities, by reducing access to health care, food, and early childhood supports.
Highlights from Avo Makdessian’s comments on Education Beat:
“It feels like Robin Hood in reverse—working families are bearing the burden, while corporations and high-net-worth individuals are gaining through tax breaks.”
“The federal government knows that even though 92% of everyone on Medicaid works… if you put additional requirements and red tape on families, they will get kicked off of their Medicaid.”
“Since the election, we’ve seen fewer families participating in those local programs.”
“That burden, that trauma, is translated to their young children in their developing brain. Their brains and their bodies understand scarcity.”
“We are concerned about learning delays for all children entering school in California.”
“We’re going to see over $61 billion in federal funds being lost to California.”
“Local First 5s, cities, counties, school districts… are undoubtedly going to have to pick up some of these services—at the expense of others.”
Listen to the full episode of Education Beat here and on Apple Podcasts here.
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About First 5 Association of California
First 5 Association of California represents the state’s First 5 Commissions. Together, First 5s support over one million children and families each year, advancing policies and investments that ensure young children are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The Association works to advance state and federal public policies and funding that support California’s young children and families. Our policy work is informed by county First 5 Commissions and local communities and is grounded in a whole child / whole family lens. We do this while centering the fact that low-income communities, communities of color, and historically marginalized Californians face disproportionate impacts due to systemic racism, wealth inequality, and environmental hazards. Learn more at www.first5association.org.
