The special election on May 19, 2009, included a package of six propositions aimed to address California’s fiscal crisis. HealthVote.org covered the two health-related ballot measures.

• Protects Children’s Services Funding. Helps Balance State Budget.
  
  Would have amended Prop. 10 (enacted in 1998) by cutting $1.68 billion over five years from First 5 (state early childhood development programs). In the first year, Prop. 1D would have taken $340 million from First 5 reserve accounts and $268 million in new revenues. Prop. 1D would have continued to reduce the funding available for First 5 programs by approximately $268 million per year until 2014.
  



• Mental Health Services Funding. Temporary Reallocation. Helps Balance State Budget.
  
  Would have amended the Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63 of 2004) to cut about $230 million per year for two years from the expansion of state mental health services. Prop. 1E would have diverted Prop. 63 revenues to the federally mandated Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program.