Proposition 10, passed by California voters in 1998, is an unprecedented public investment in early childhood health and development programs for pregnant women and young children up to five years of age.

California voters passed Prop. 10 which established a 50 cent-per-pack tax on tobacco products that generates approximately $700 million a year to be invested in the healthy development of California’s children from prenatal to age 5.

Eighty percent of this money is divided among California’s 58 counties, based on the counties’ birth rates, to be spent with local needs and priorities in mind. With declining birth and smoking rates, this revenue stream is diminishing.

Created to convey the overall purpose of the organization charged with distributing the Prop. 10 tobacco tax funds, the new name signifies the importance of the first five years of life, the period of time during which a child’s brain develops most dramatically. The First 5 LA name will replace the previous name (Los Angeles County Children and Families First – Proposition 10 Commission) and will be used in all efforts and serve as an easily identifiable brand for the programs and services implemented under Prop. 10.

First 5 LA addresses an urgent societal need to support and strengthen families with young children. Its mission is to optimize the development and well-being of all children – from before birth until age 5 – by increasing resources, ensuring access to services and improving the abilities of families, communities and service providers to give kids the best possible start in life.

First 5 LA is…

• Helping parents and caregivers provide a healthy start to life for children through a wide range of programs, including home visitation, parent education, family literacy and provider training.
• Working to increase the availability of quality preschool and early care for young children.
• Launching an effort to expand health insurance coverage for all children, 0-5, who are not eligible for existing plans.
• Collaborating with schools, community organizations and families to better prepare young children for school.
• Meeting the needs of specific communities by funding programs and projects initiated and designed by members of those communities.
• Working to prevent child abuse and neglect by improving the systems that serve at-risk children.
• Leading local research efforts to develop a better understanding of how to improve the lives of children ages 0-5 and their families.
• Providing expectant parents and parents/caregivers of children up to age five with a free, confidential telephone help-line and Web site service, which will provide information and referral, as well as parent support and assistance.

First 5 LA works in partnership with the communities it serves to make sure the programs and services reflect local needs and priorities. Together, these programs and services will help make sure that our children are ready to reach their full potential in school and in life.

First 5 LA meetings of its Board of Commissioners, the Joint Planning Committee and the Research Partnership Committee are all open to the public and always include time for public comment. Check our Web site regularly for a posted schedule of upcoming meetings. You can also share your thoughts with us by writing, e-mailing or calling the Commission at the address below.

First 5 LA
750 North Alameda Street, Suite 300
Los Angeles, California 90012

Phone: 213.482.5902
Fax: 213.482.5903