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Board clears Measure I expenditure plan to begin immediate spending on child care
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Summary
Supervisors approved a one‑year Measure I expenditure plan to release revenue immediately, directing 60% to early care and education and 40% to perinatal and children's health programs; speakers said $12 million has already been raised and urged prompt disbursement.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted on Aug. 26 to adopt a one‑year expenditure plan to begin disbursing Measure I sales‑tax revenue for child‑care and children’s health programs.
Claudia Galiani, who said she was Measure I’s campaign manager and now represents SEIU, urged the board to approve item 13 so funds could begin flowing immediately. Galiani told the board that voters had approved the quarter‑percent sales tax in November and that $12,000,000 had already been raised; the recommended bridge plan directs 60% of the funds to strengthen the early care and education sector and 40% to perinatal and children’s health.
Why this matters: Measure I creates a new local revenue stream to address unaffordable child care and provider retention problems. Supporters told the board that swift disbursement would honor the will of voters who have been paying the tax since January and help stabilize providers with immediate incentives.
Board action: The consent calendar (which included the Measure I expenditure plan as item 13) passed by the supervisors present; because some items required four‑fifths approval, the chair noted timing adjustments for items requiring a larger quorum. Board members asked staff to track implementation and provide data on outcomes such as changes in provider participation and ridership for associated transit pilots.
Next steps: Staff will implement the one‑year plan as a bridge while a five‑year strategic plan is completed and will report back to the board on disbursements and measurable outcomes.
