In the upcoming statewide election, voters will be asked to remove some items from the budget that, a few years ago, they had voted to add. Among those initiatives are Propositions 1D and 1E, which would cut funding to children’s services and mental health testing and treatment, respectively.
It is understandable that, in the face of a crippling budget deficit, lawmakers are looking for as many places as possible to cut corners. But services for children and the mentally ill should not be on the chopping block.
Our state representatives are asking us to take away funding from programs that voters already agreed were necessary and worthwhile. The money has been allocated for these programs, and that’s where it should go. A government needs to provide for its most vulnerable citizens. Proposition 1D would cut funding for a program that helps foster children and children with disabilities. Proposition 1E would take money away from a program that screens children and young adults for mental illness and a program that specializes in low-income child development.
Just because they can’t cast a vote doesn’t mean they don’t deserve provision from the law. Californians already decided that we want the budget to provide for these programs. If these are the things we’re cutting, what are we going to keep?
Neglecting the mental and physical well-being of young people hurts our community in the long run. Those little guys are our future, remember? This editorial board recommends you vote no on Propositions 1D and 1E.
Unsigned editorials represent a majority opinion of the Daily Bruin Editorial Board.