First 5 California Calls Trump Budget Proposal Devastation for Health and Education Programs for Children

Business Wire

Defense spending soars on the backs of the most vulnerable children and families

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With the release of President Trump’s proposed federal budget, today the Administration is putting all Americans on notice of a major shift in Americans' values. For every dollar allocated to increase defense spending, corresponding cuts across 18 federal agencies will slash domestic programs that provide essential public education, health, and social safety net services for the nation’s most vulnerable children and families.

“Working poor families have not shared in our economic recovery. They still struggle to make a living, obtain affordable housing, get access to health care, and find quality child-care for their children,” said Camille Maben, Executive Director at First 5 California. “The proposed budget cuts are unprecedented in size and scope and will devastate low-income children and families.”

Although there are no details about the proposed $15 billion cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, from the President’s insistence on repealing the ACA and reducing Medicaid by as much as $880 billion, one can only conclude these cuts will directly affect the health and welfare of poor children and their families. “I truly fear these overwhelming cuts affecting our youngest children and their hard-working families will implode our education and health systems,” said Ms. Maben.

About First 5 California

First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which taxes tobacco products to fund services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 programs and resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and caregivers in the critical role they play during a child's first five years – to help California kids receive the best possible start in life and thrive. For more information, please visit www.ccfc.ca.gov.