SAN DIEGO (AP) — California voters are set to decide whether to fund a major expansion of housing and treatment for residents with mental illness and addiction, as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest proposal to address the crisis in state homelessness.
Newsom announced on Sunday that he would ask allies of the Democratic-controlled Legislature for a measure on the 2024 ballot to authorize funding for the construction of residential facilities where up to 12,000 people a year could live and be processed. The plan is the latest from the governor who took office in 2019, promising to address homelessness in a state where an estimated 171,000 people were homeless last year.
The governor called the plan the next step in how California is expanding services for homeless people, especially those with psychological and substance abuse disorders.
“We need to address and master the reality of mental health in this state and our nation. The question is: what more and better can we do? Newsom said at a press conference.
California, home to nearly 40 million people, has nearly a third of the nation’s homeless population, and their numbers are growing much faster than in other states, according to an analysis of federal data by Public Policy. Institute of California. Tent camps have popped up on sidewalks and under freeway overpasses, and people with mental health crises are commonplace on city streets.
The initiative would be partially funded by general obligation bonds that would raise between $3 billion and $5 billion for the construction of “campus-style” facilities as well as small homes and long-term residences, Newsom said.
In addition, he would revise California’s Mental Health Services Act, a 2004 voter-approved initiative that imposes a 1% tax on income over $1 million to fund mental health services. Some lawmakers complained that the initiative’s money was bypassing those who needed it most, and Newsom’s office said the new version would improve county oversight.
“Upgrading will result in $1 billion each year for housing, treatment for substance abuse disorders, etc. said a statement from the governor’s office.
The California State Association of Counties, representing California’s 58 counties, said in a statement Sunday that it would work with the governor and lawmakers to establish “clear responsibilities, accountability and funding for all levels of government” to to solve the problem of homelessness.
State Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton, will introduce the measure, which would also earmark money to house more than 10,000 homeless veterans across the state, according to the release.
Newsom released details of the plan during a Sunday afternoon stop in San Diego. The governor is in the midst of a five-day statewide tour that he is using to highlight his key policy goals. The tour replaced a traditional state of the state address.
On Thursday, Newsom announced a plan to spend about $30 million to build 1,200 tiny homes across the state to help house people living on the streets. Houses can be assembled quickly and cost a fraction of what it takes to build permanent housing. Federal courts have ruled that cities cannot clean up homeless encampments if there are no shelter beds available.
Newsom will travel to Imperial County on Monday to discuss how California is poised to become a world leader in electric vehicles and clean energy, his office said.
The governor’s move through California comes at a difficult time for the state. After several years of crisis in Sacramento, California has an estimated deficit of $22.5 billion, with state revenues shrinking as the stock market slows.
A recent poll shows half of California voters think the heavily Democratic state is heading in the wrong direction, including a majority of independents. And after years of growth, the state’s population has plummeted as people look elsewhere for more affordable homes and a better quality of life.
The Associated Press
