Measure I would impose a quarter-cent sales tax within Sonoma County. The tax will provide funding for child care, preschool and early childhood education for children up to 5 years old in low and middle income families along with children’s healthcare. It prioritizes the homeless, historically underserved communities, or others with high priority needs.
According to the Local Ballot Measure: I Sonoma County NAACP President Kirstyne Lange, Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County CEO Melanie Dodson, Chandi Hospital owner and CEO Sonu Chandi, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Interim CEO Amanda Sweet, and Pediatric Physician Jose E Morales are all in support of Measure I.
According to the yes on I for kids website, U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman along with Sonoma County Superintendent Amie Carter and Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez are also endorsing the measure. The Oak Leaf reached out to the Congressmen to confirm their endorsements on Sunday, but they were unable to respond in time of publication.
According to the 2022-2023 Sonoma County ‘READY’ school readiness assessment report only 20% of children entering kindergarten are fully prepared for the curriculum, the downward trend which has been occurring for six years.
60% of the fund would aid early childhood education by expanding the availability for low to middle income children with access to child care and education resources. It would improve compensation and benefits for childcare providers and early educator employees while developing and expanding early care and education facilities.
The other 40% would be dedicated to supporting local children’s health and mental health accessibility. This includes expanding specialized staff for prenatal and pediatric specialties while creating innovative programs to allow children and their families better access to community based pediatric health care and mental services.
The First 5 Sonoma County Commission would act as the administering agency and collaborate with a committee advisory council. It will consist of 11 members of the public such as child care workers, administrators or workers in mental health. They will develop a policy and program recommendations for the fund.
The commission and Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will create a budget and spending plan that will meet the needs of all areas in Sonoma County.
A yes vote on Measure I would generate this money through the 0.25% sales tax and would aid these facilities for early education services, child care, and child’s health care. A no vote will prohibit the county from implementing the increase in sales tax.
Over the months of July and Aug. First 5 Sonoma has received $332,025.02 from First 5 California who advocate for state and federal policy makers for strong early child education and health opportunities for ages 0 to 5.
Mason Koski • Oct 20, 2024 at 11:31 pm
Hi! I would just like to clarify for readers, as a Paid Canvasser for Prop I. This if passed would impose a 1/4 of a Cent Sales Tax (a Quarter for every $100 Dollars) NOT a 0.25% Sales Tax (which would be $25 for every $100 Dollars). Which is why it has no official opposition, so I would clarify that to not confuse readers.