On Thursday, the Democratic governor signed two pivotal pieces of legislation, both slated for voter consideration in 2024.
California Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom has taken significant steps to revamp the state’s mental health system and combat its escalating homelessness crisis
To implement these initiatives, Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom is seeking voters’ approval to secure a bond of billions of dollars. This funding would facilitate the creation of 11,150 new treatment beds, housing, and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots, ultimately aiding around 100,000 individuals annually. Additionally, the measures aim to restructure how counties allocate resources for mental and behavioral health programs.
Speaking at a historic Los Angeles hospital that’s being transformed into affordable units, Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom expressed confidence that these proposals would modernize the current system, acknowledging the mounting frustrations of Californians with the ongoing crisis. Should voters endorse the plan in March, the state will also receive $2.4 billion over the next five years to train 65,000 workers.
“This is about raising the bar in terms of accountability and expectation,” Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom affirmed, emphasizing the urgent need for change. The initiatives will be consolidated into a single item on the March 2024 ballot, alongside the state and presidential primaries.
Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom and supporters anticipate that this expenditure will significantly alleviate the state’s escalating homelessness crisis, constituting the most substantial overhaul of California’s mental health system in two decades.
Senator Susan Eggman, the bill’s author, stressed the imperative of addressing this long-ignored crisis, asserting, “The days of looking away are gone”
Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom aims to refine how local governments allocate tax revenue, ensuring that a significant portion is directed towards housing and services for those grappling with severe mental health challenges and addiction.
Despite widespread support from state lawmakers, local counties voice concerns about potential budgetary constraints that could adversely impact existing mental health programs. Some Republican lawmakers criticize Newsom’s plan, citing budget shortfalls.
This marks one of several endeavors by Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom to reshape California’s mental health landscape. Last year, he enacted a law establishing a court process allowing for mandated treatment plans for individuals with specific diagnoses. Additionally, a recently signed law facilitates treatment for individuals with untreated mental health issues or addiction, many of whom are homeless.
California hosts over 171,000 homeless individuals, constituting approximately 30% of the national homeless population. The state has allocated more than $20 billion in recent years towards addressing this crisis, with mixed outcomes.
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