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Council splits on Moreno Valley–Paris childcare district resolution; proposed pilot fails 2–3
Summary
Council declined (2–3) to support state legislation that would authorize creation of a five-year pilot childcare district (AB 2083). Supporters said the bill is permissive and would not obligate city funding; opponents warned it could later seek voter-approved taxes or bonds.
The City of Paris council on April 28 voted 2–3 against a resolution to support AB 2083, a proposed state law that would authorize a five-year pilot childcare special district covering Moreno Valley and Paris to expand childcare capacity.
Daniel Peyton, district and communications director for Assemblymember Corey Jackson, presented the bill and emphasized it is permissive and does not require the city to provide funding. "Supporting AB 2083 does not require the city to provide any funding," Peyton said, adding that any long-term funding would require voter approval.
Public comment was split. Supporters described local childcare shortages and the financial strain on families; Analy Garcia and Tatiana Flores urged the council to back the pilot to increase access and support working parents. Opponents — including Pastor Abraham Capers Jr. and Councilmember Rab during discussion — raised concerns about funding uncertainty and the potential for the district to later put taxes or bonds to the voters. Councilmember Rab said the bill's language allowing the board to "seek voter approval for funding mechanisms necessary to establish and operate the district" could lead to property tax bonds or sales-tax increases, and he urged caution.
Councilmember Corona and Councilwoman Vjo voted in favor of the resolution; Councilmembers Nava, Rab and Mayor Vargas voted no, defeating the measure.
Peyton noted that Assemblymember Jackson is seeking $5 million in the state budget to seed district startup costs if the pilot is authorized — a figure that remains subject to the state budget process. Council members asked staff to continue monitoring the bill’s progress in Sacramento and to request additional details on funding safeguards, governance, and insurance/liability for child care operations before considering any future local commitments.
Next steps: AB 2083 remains a live bill in the state legislative process; the city will monitor developments and staff will seek additional information on funding, governance and potential local impacts before further action.
