SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Californians are set to vote Tuesday on a statewide ballot measure that is touted by the governor as a major step to tackle homelessness and would be the first major update to the state’s mental health system in 20 years.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom says Proposition 1 is needed to tackle the state’s homelessness crisis by boosting investments in housing and substance use programs, but social providers worry it would threaten programs that are keeping people from becoming homeless in the first place.
The measure would restrict how counties use money from a voter-approved tax enacted in 2004 on millionaires that currently is earmarked for mental health services under broad guidelines. Revenue from the tax, now between $2 billion and $3 billion a year, provides about one-third of the state’s total mental health budget.
Counties would be required to spend about two-thirds of those funds on housing and programs for homeless people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems.
Newsom wants to give the state more control over how that money is spent, but critics say it would apply one formula to all counties regardless of the size of the local homeless population and could pit programs for children against those for homeless people.
Proposition 1 also would authorize the state to borrow $6.38 billion to build 4,350 housing units, half of which would be reserved for veterans, and add 6,800 mental health and addiction treatment beds.
Newsom, with the support of law enforcement, first responders, hospitals and mayors of major cities, has raised more than $13 million to promote the initiative, far outpacing the opponents who raised $1,000.
“The status quo is not acceptable,” Newsom said Monday at an event promoting the measure. “People are demanding more of us, better of us.”
Homelessness has become one of the most frustrating issues in California and one sure to dog Newsom should he ever mount a national campaign. The state accounts for nearly a third of the homeless population in the United States; roughly 181,000 Californians are in need of housing. The state, with a current inventory of 5,500 beds, needs some 8,000 more units to treat mental health and addiction issues.
Newsom’s administration already has spent at least $22 billion on various programs to address the crisis, including $3.5 billion to convert rundown motels into homeless housing. California is also giving out $2 billion in grants to build more treatment facilities.
The proposition is touted as the final piece in Newsom’s plan to reform California’s mental health system. He has already pushed for laws that make it easier to force people with behavioral health issues into treatment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling on voters to support his efforts to address the state’s homelessness crisis. With an estimated 161,548 people experiencing homelessness in California, the issue has reached a critical point that requires immediate action.
Newsom has proposed a $12 billion plan to tackle homelessness, which includes funding for housing, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. The plan aims to provide permanent housing for 65,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next five years.
In a recent statement, Newsom emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “we can’t continue to allow our most vulnerable residents to suffer on the streets. We need to take bold and decisive action to address this crisis once and for all.”
The governor’s plan has received support from various advocacy groups and local officials who have been working tirelessly to address homelessness in their communities. However, Newsom acknowledges that he will need the support of voters to ensure that his plan is implemented effectively.
One of the key components of Newsom’s plan is the creation of a new California Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program, which would provide funding to local governments to build affordable housing and provide supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, Newsom has proposed expanding mental health and substance abuse treatment services to help individuals struggling with these issues get the support they need to stabilize their lives.
While some critics have raised concerns about the cost of Newsom’s plan, the governor argues that the cost of inaction is far greater. The homelessness crisis not only impacts the individuals experiencing homelessness but also has broader implications for public health and safety.
As Newsom continues to push for support from voters, he is urging Californians to consider the moral imperative of addressing homelessness and the long-term benefits of investing in solutions that will ultimately save lives and improve communities across the state.
In conclusion, Governor Newsom’s call for support from voters to address California’s homelessness crisis is a crucial step towards finding lasting solutions to this pressing issue. By working together to implement comprehensive strategies that prioritize housing, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, we can make significant progress in ending homelessness and creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
