Who are we?

In 1998, the voters of California approved Proposition 10 on the ballot, the Children and Families First Initiative. This Proposition imposes a surcharge on the sale of tobacco products, with the funds collected by the State. The State then distributes these funds, with 20% going to the California Children and Families Commission and the remaining 80% going to the 58 counties. These county allocations are designed to support the work of local County Commissions, with the amount of funds based on the number of live births in the county.county.

The First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission was established by an ordinance passed by the Solano County Board of Supervisors on June 8, 1999. The ordinance defined the number of Commissioners as nine, the maximum allowed under Proposition 10, which mandates that local commissions include a member of the Board of Supervisors and two representatives of the County Health and Social Services Departments. First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission has independent authority to allocate its funds in accordance with its Strategic Plan.

Why invest? Just 5 Years.

Every year of a child’s life is precious, but the first 5 years are our greatest opportunity to inspire, nurture, and prepare them to reach their potential.

The Commission funds many programs within the community and First 5 funds are an integral part of the safety net for children's and family programs in Solano County. The Commission works closely with community partners to continue to find ways to ensure these critical community investments.

First 5 Solano is committed to creating a system that ensures every child can thrive and learn. We provide public investment, expertise, and leadership to put resources in the hands of those who care for our county’s children.

Where are we going?

Across California counties, as tobacco tax revenues decline, First 5s are serving their communities with diminishing resources, and are using reserves that were accumulated years ago to support community investments. Solano County is no different.

This trend is telling of a positive health outcome—that the state’s smoking rates and tobacco use are in decline, which is one of the intended outcomes of Prop 10. However, the steady revenue decline also means the First 5’s across the state must seek new and innovative approaches to continue its important work on behalf of California’s youngest children and their families.

It means leveraging precious dollars, while prioritizing investments to better ensure that programs, services, and other targeted efforts designed to serve the whole child result in wide-reaching, positive outcomes of the greatest impact.