Title
Adopt a Resolution in support of and endorsing the "Safe, Affordable, Quality Child Care In Monterey County Act" ballot initiative, and designating Supervisors to author an argument in favor of the Initiative for inclusion in the Voter Information Guide.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisor adopt a resolution in support of and endorsing the "Safe, Affordable, Quality Child Care In Monterey County Act" ballot initiative, and designating Supervisors to author an argument in favor of the Initiative for inclusion in the Voter Information Guide.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Safe, Affordable, Quality Care Act (hereon, referred to as "Childcare Initiative" or "Initiative") is a citizen driven initiative aimed towards improving the caliber and accessibility of affordable childcare and preschool services countywide. Developed to address the serious shortage of safe, affordable, quality, childcare and access to early education in Monterey County, a local group of concerned community members gathered signatures to place the initiative on the November 2022 ballot. A total of 21,849 signatures were obtained in support of the initiative.
On June 7, 2022, a petition was formally submitted to the Elections Department in support of the Childcare Initiative to provide dedicated, locally controlled funding to increase and improve licensed childcare and early learning opportunities, funded by an annual special parcel tax in the amount of forty-nine dollars ($49) on each parcel of real property located within Monterey County, with limited exceptions, for ten (10) years. As proposed, the tax measure would provide approximately $5.5 million per year to improve childcare and early learning for Monterey County's youngest children, their families and our community. Two (2) legislative bodies consisting of 1) Monterey County Children and Families Commission, otherwise commonly known as First 5 Monterey County, and 2) Citizens Oversight Committee ...
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