Santa Barbara County Psychological Association
Opposes Propositions 1D and 1E
The Santa Barbara County Psychological Association stands with other community leaders and organizations in opposition to 1D and 1E. Both Propositions would take local resources from vulnerable children and adults to be used by Sacramento legislators.
What Is Prop 1D?
In 1998 First 5 was created by Proposition 10 to use tobacco tax money to fund programs benefiting children from birth to five. Each county has a First 5 Commission authorized to create programs to meet local needs. In some counties, the Commissions have been able to provide universal health coverage, mental health services or preschool for all children. As tobacco use is declining, First 5 Commissions have exercised good stewardship by saving in order to sustain proven programs.
Proposition 1D is officially titled “Protects Children’s Services Funding, Helps Balance State Budget”. In reality it would take funds away from local services for young children and their families. If passed, Proposition 1D would:
• Take $268 million annually away from First 5 county commissions;
• Reduce possibly as much as 70% of First 5 revenues by the fourth and fifth years;
• Give the Legislature complete authority over how to spend the First 5 funds.
The Impact of 1D on Children and Families in Santa Barbara County
Last year over 8,000 children aged five and younger, with their families, received services through First 5 programs throughout Santa Barbara County. This year there is a documented increase in their needs. Santa Barbara County’s First 5 provides access to health insurance, dental care, mental health services, support for families in crisis and more — all of which would be cut or eliminated if 1D passes.
Currently, First 5 Santa Barbara County receives approximately $5 million per year from the tobacco tax funds. This is supplemented by additional public and private partnerships for an overall budget of $7.6 million. Proposition 1D would eliminate the reserves First 5 responsibly kept to sustain its programs and would dramatically cut or eliminate services such as:
• Family Resource Centers from Carpinteria to Cuyama;
• Children’s mental health and home visitation services;
• Health coverage and dental care for children;
• Assistance to child care, day care and preschools for working families;
• School readiness and literacy programs;
• Newborn Home Visitation.
What is Prop 1E?
Proposition 1E, titled “Mental Health Services Funding Temporary Allocation Helps Balance State Budget”, would seriously impact programs created by the Mental Health Services Act, Prop 63, which levies a 1% tax on incomes over $1 million to fund mental health services for those most in need.
Thanks to Prop 63, nearly $3 billion has been used to support mental health services. Prop 1E would shift $460 million of Prop 63 funds to help the State maintain a federally mandated program. This would take away from County resources to serve a large vulnerable local population.
The Impact of Prop 1E in Santa Barbara County
County departments, community leaders, non-profit agencies and consumers of mental health services jointly planned and implemented Prop 63. If 1E passes, critical services for children, youth and adults with mental illness could be eliminated including:
• SPIRIT – helps at-risk children and teens avoid out-of-home placement;
• SAFTY – Safe Alternative for Treating Youth - a mobile service that provides specialized crisis intervention;
• Crisis, shelter and support services for adults.
Join with Local Psychologists – Stand Up for Vulnerable Children and Families
Props 1D and 1E are designed by the governor and legislators to take away voter-approved funding for our most vulnerable citizens. Young children, families and persons with mental illness in Santa Barbara County need our help – vote NO on 1D and 1E.
Anna M. Kokotovic, PhD, is a Board member of the
Santa Barbara County Psychological Association
SBCPA Phone Number: 963-9447
Visit our website at: http://www.sbcpa.org
