SR-100-002 (2)CS:HS:BS:J R:f:share\strpts\propl0.wpd
Council Meeting: February 8, 2000
Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution Requesting the City Council to
Oppose Proposition 28 which would repeal Proposition 10 - the California
Children and Families First Act of 1998.
Introduction
This report recommends the City Council adopt a resolution declaring its opposition to
Proposition 28 which would repeal Proposition 10 - the California Children and Families
Act-and prevent voters from ever again voting to increase tobacco taxes.
Backqround
In November, 1998, voters approved Proposition 10 (known as the Children and
Families First Program) to increase the excise tax on cigarettes by 50 cents per pack.
The money from the increase is to be used to improve early childhood development
from the prenatal stage to age 5, support parenting education and family support
services, and provide assistance to pregnant women and parents of young children who
want to quit smoking. The first FY's allocation is projected to be approximately $700
million a year. Los Angeles County's share will be around $165 million each year.
Proposition 10 requires each County Board of Supervisors to appoint a Children and
Families First Commission to implement the new program.
flieri iecinn
The City of Santa Monica has a long commitment to the growth and development of
children and to their families. In 1991, the City of Santa Monica passed a Child Care
Policy to demonstrate its commitment to City resources and willingness to implement
the goals of the Santa Monica Child Care Master Plan. In setting budget priorities for
the coming year, the City Council's first priority focus on children. Despite the City's
efforts and those of our community partners, there continues to be a shortfall in funds
for every needed program or service.
If Proposition 28 is successful and Proposition 10 is repealed, approximately $165
million a year that is dedicated to serving young children in the LA County would
disappear, including a significant funding opportunity for Santa Monica.
Budqet/Financial Impact
Staff recommendations in this report have no budgetary impact.
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution opposing
Proposition 28 which would repeal Proposition 10-the California Children and Families
Act-and prevent votes from ever again voting to increase tobacco taxes.
Prepared By: Julie Rusk, Manager
Julie Taren, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Human Services Division
Community and Cultural Services Department