Press Releases
First 5 Association Congratulates Governor-elect Xavier Becerra, Urges a New Era of Leadership for California’s Youngest Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 4, 2026Contact: Courtney Armstrongcourtney@first5association.org Avo Makdessian, Executive Director of the First 5 Association of California, today issued the following statement on the election of Xavier Becerra as California’s next governor. “First 5 Association of California congratulates Governor-elect
Governor Signs First 5 Association Co-Sponsored Bill Focused on Ending Child Poverty
AB 1996 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta establishes a California Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council Avo Makdessian, Executive Director of the First 5 Association of California, today issued the following statement after Governor Newsom signed legislation on Sunday, co-sponsored by the
First 5 Association’s Statement on the Passing of Dolly Parton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 25, 2026Contact: Courtney Armstrongcourtney@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (August 25, 2026) — The First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state that serve more than 1.2 million children and families each year, issued the following
First 5 Association Responds to Approved 2026-27 State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 30, 2026Contact: Courtney Armstrongcourtney@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (June 30, 2026) — The First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state that serve more than 1.2 million children and families each year, issued the following
First 5 Association Co-Sponsors Bill Focused on Ending Child Poverty
AB 1996 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta would create a California Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council SACRAMENTO, CA — The First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state that serve more than 1.2 million children and families,
First 5 Association Responds to the Governor’s May Revision of the 2026-27 Budget Proposal
SACRAMENTO, CA (May 14, 2026) — The First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state that serve more than 1.2 million children and families each year, issued the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised May budget
First 5 Advocates rally at Capitol to protect children’s mental health funding and expand health and child care access
First 5 Association of California Honors Assemblymember Mia Bonta as 2026 Champion for Children SACRAMENTO, CA (April 14, 2026) — First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state serving more than 1.2 million children and families
First 5 Association of California Honors Assemblymember Mia Bonta as 2026 Champion for Children
SACRAMENTO, CA (April 9, 2025) — First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state serving more than 1.2 million children and families each year, has named Assemblymember Mia Bonta as its 2026 Champion for Children, recognizing
First 5 Association Calls on State Lawmakers to Protect Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Courtney ArmstrongCourtney@first5association.org SACRAMENTO — The First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state that serve more than 1 million children and families each year, is urging the California Legislature to protect mental health services
First 5 Association Commends New Legislative “Children’s Caucus”
SACRAMENTO—The First 5 Association of California, representing First 5 commissions across the state that serve more than 1 million children and families each year, issued the following statement regarding the creation of a new, bipartisan “Children’s Caucus” made up of