Butte Strategic Plan (2003)

In November 1998, the California electorate voted in favor of Proposition 10, “The California Children and Families First” Initiative, which then became effective on January 1, 1999. The initiative levies a tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products in order to provide funding for local early childhood development programs. Proposition 10’s ultimate goal is to enhance the early growth experiences of children, enabling them to be more successful in their school careers and lead better lives.

Funding is intended to help develop a comprehensive and integrated system for early childhood development services centered around four strategic results – Strong Families, Healthy Children, and Children Learning and Ready for School, and Improved Systems. The Act emphasizes local decision-making to provide greater local flexibility in designing service delivery systems and eliminating duplicative administration. These decisions rest with county-based Commissions under the guidance of the State Commission. In order to receive funds from the Proposition 10 trust, each county must adopt a comprehensive, integrated strategic plan that reflects an outcomes-based accountability process for investing resources provided by the Act.

Following passage of Proposition 10, the Butte County Board of Supervisors approved the required action establishing a County Commission and a dedicated Trust Fund. This initial action established the parameters and membership of the Commission as outlined in the state proposition. The Board of Supervisors originally selected nine persons to serve on the Commission with a desire to include broad community representation.