The San Diego County Board of Supervisors took a significant step this week toward securing the financial future of the programs and services that many families in our region depend on.

The title may sound wonky — the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Sustainable Fiscal Planning — but its work and its importance couldn’t be clearer: this is a group of leaders who will explore fair and equitable ways to safeguard essential services, protect our most vulnerable neighbors, and invest in the future we all want to see in San Diego.

“The reality is, the federal government has pulled funding, but the work in our community does not stop.” – Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair

The formation of the subcommittee couldn’t be more timely. Tuesday’s vote comes as federal and state cuts threaten programs and resources vital to the well-being of children, families and workers here in San Diego County.

Children First Collective San Diego stood proudly in support of the committee’s creation and regional child care advocates stood with us.

A letter shared to local officials read in part:

“As a constituent, I see firsthand how vital County services are to the well-being of families and the child care providers who support them. I am joining organizations and leaders dedicated to expanding access to affordable, quality early child care and education for all, who are asserting that these services must not be left vulnerable to shifting policy decisions made in Washington or Sacramento.”

With the leadership of Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe, and with the support of a wide range of local organizations, as well as all of your letters of support, the committee was approved in a 3 – 2 vote.

“When we cut lifelines to the vulnerable, we bankrupt the compassion that defines public service. As cuts loom, we must brace for impact — not by abandoning residents, but by acting.” – County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe.

The committee is set to start meeting immediately as the county braces for the uncertainty of federal cuts, state cuts and the government shutdown.