Early childhood development, educational and health programs have been preserved in Mohave ad La Paz counties for at least one more year.

The First Things First La Paz/Mohave Regional Partnership Council learned recently that its funding from a voter-approved tobacco tax remained the same for at least one more year amidst rounds of state budget cuts.

“Because First Things First is a voter-sponsored initiative, it was protected by the Voter Protection Act,” said Merritt Beckett, the council’s regional coordinator. “The Legislature wasn’t able to cut First Things First because it’s voter protected.”

But voters statewide will decide in November whether or not to shift all of the funding for the statewide programs into the general fund to help balance the budget.

But for at least one more year, at least 10 programs throughout the two counties have been protected through renewed funding.

The regional council used $2.7 million of $4 million received to renew agreements to continue programs. Portions of the remaining funding will be used to start new agreements, Beckett said.

Continuing programs include early care and education, professional development for early childhood education, scholarships for child care professionals to earn degrees, preventive health screenings, childcare program advice and training, mental health teams and family support.

“This funding is absolutely making a difference in our region,” Beckett said. “I hear stories every day about the positive impacts from families who receive child care scholarships who would not be able to work (otherwise).”

The funding also goes to train childcare providers of special needs and difficult behaviors to learn how to handle the children rather than transferring the child between caretakers, Beckett said.

“I hear from so many families how this is having a positive impact on them,” she said.

In Lake Havasu City, Milemarkers Therapy Inc. received $79,074 from the funding for developmental and health screenings.

The company will host a free screening June 26.

Catie Sondrol, a co-owner, said if it weren’t for the funding, the company wouldn’t be able to provide the free service.

“We just really appreciate this program,” she said.

Voters approved the program in 2006 where 80 cents from each pack of cigarettes funds expansion of early childhood education and health programs.

You may contact the reporter at jleatherman@havasunews.com