First 5 Network Responds to State Budget Impacting California’s Youngest Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Courtney Armstrong Courtney@first5association.org (510) 323-9320 Worst of proposed cuts to early childhood investments averted. First 5 Network remains cautiously optimistic on delayed program expansions SACRAMENTO, CA (July 1, 2024) – The First 5 Network today expressed a mix of support and caution following the state budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite an unprecedented […]
First 5 Network Responds to State Budget Cut Proposals Impacting California’s Youngest Children
Media Contact: Melanie Flood FRSAmelanie@first5association.org First 5 Network confronts the challenges of state budget cuts on child services and advocates for continued support for children’s programs The First 5 Network today expressed disappointment following Governor Newsom’s May Revision in response to the state’s budget shortfall. Proposed cuts announced on Friday worsen the impact of reductions […]
May Revision: Multi-Year Continuous Medi-Cal Coverage for Young Children Not Funded
Tens of Thousands of CA Children’s Medi-Cal Coverage Not Preserved A coalition of organizations – including American Academy of Pediatrics California, Children Now, First 5 Association of California, March of Dimes, Maternal and Child Health Access, National Health Law Program, The Children’s Partnership, and Western Center on Law and Poverty – express frustration that the […]
California’s First 5 leaders at State Capitol Advocating for Early Childhood Investments Amidst Tobacco Tax Revenue Decline
Media Contact: Melanie Flood FRSAmelanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (February 7, 2024) – Hundreds of First 5 leaders from across California who collectively serve over one million of the state’s children and caregivers are rallying in the Capitol, calling for a one-time $100 million investment, aimed to stabilize various local programs serving children and families amidst dwindling […]
California Must Prioritize Young Children, Despite Budget Deficit
SACRAMENTO, CA (January 11, 2024) – The First 5 Network appreciates the Governor and administration for maintaining their commitment to early childhood education, infant and early childhood mental health, and protecting early childhood systems of care as part of the proposed 2024-25 budget plan. Despite the difficult budget year, the First 5 Network is committed […]
First 5 Joint Statement on the 2023-24 State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jamiann Collins-Lopez (916) 316-1924 SACRAMENTO, CA (July 11, 2023) – Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed the 2023-24 State Budget, which demonstrates the Legislature’s and Administration’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing resources for proven intervention and support systems of young children and their families, while continuing to build upon a whole-child, whole-family, whole-community agenda. […]
First 5 Network Responds to May Budget Revision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Flood, First 5 Association melanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (May 16, 2023) – On Friday, May 12, 2023, Governor Newsom released the May Revision that maintains his consistency and promise from January to minimize the effects of a declining economy away from our state’s most vulnerable constituents. In the face of a […]
First 5s Across California Rally to Champion Early Childhood Investments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Melanie Flood, First 5 Associationmelanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (April 19, 2023) – Today the statewide network of First 5s will meet with legislators to champion early childhood legislation and investments for California’s youngest children. Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes will join First 5s by addressing the network in a virtual gathering. The […]
First 5: Governor Newsom’s 2023–24 Budget Proposal Continues Support of California’s Youngest Children and Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Flood FRSA, First 5 Association of California, melanie@first5association.org SACRAMENTO, CA (January 11, 2023) – Governor Newsom released his proposed budget plan Tuesday, which continues to demonstrate his commitment to provide for the needs of young children and their families and continuing to build toward an improved early childhood system. “We […]
First 5 Association of California Welcomes Avo Makdessian as Executive Director
SACRAMENTO – First 5 Association of California (F5AC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Avo Makdessian as its new Executive Director, which will commence on August 29, 2022. Mr. Makdessian will lead the Association, its complementary Foundation, and the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy. His expertise in advocacy, grantmaking, research, and community outreach […]
