On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom of California made his way to San Diego to unveil an ambitious ballot initiative aimed at tackling the state's pressing issues of homelessness, mental health, and substance addiction. The announcement took place at Alvarado Hospital, near San Diego State University, with numerous state and local officials present.
The governor emphasized the urgent need to confront these challenges by providing permanent housing for homeless individuals, mental health treatment, and support for those struggling with drug addiction. Newsom's proposed ballot measure, which would be put to a vote in November 2024, seeks to transform California's approach to mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.
A key aspect of the initiative involves funding new community mental health facilities throughout the state using general obligation bonds. According to the governor, this would benefit over 10,000 Californians grappling with mental illness and substance abuse.
The proposed measure also seeks to modify California's existing Mental Health Act, which was approved by voters approximately two decades ago to finance programs targeting residents with severe mental health concerns. The Act currently imposes a 1% tax on annual incomes exceeding $1 million to support the state's mental health system. Newsom's proposal aims to allocate an additional $1 billion annually for housing those afflicted by mental illness and substance abuse.
Furthermore, the ballot initiative would provide aid to veterans in need. Praising San Diego's efforts, the governor expressed confidence in the success of the measure come November 2024.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's Health and Human Services Secretary, lauded Newsom's proposal as a "bold idea" and a crucial step in advancing behavioral health reform. Other officials, including state Sen. Susan Eggman, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, Assemblyman Christopher Ward, state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, all endorsed the governor's plan. Steinberg had co-authored the Mental Health Services Act in 2004.
For the measure to be implemented, it must receive approval from both the California Legislature and the state's voters.
This announcement followed Governor Newsom's visit to Downey on Saturday, where he revealed a collaboration with Civica RX to supply affordable insulin to Californians. Additionally, the governor announced California's plans to produce its own cost-effective Narcan, a medication that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose.
Sources and related news:
- https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/03/19/governor-newsom-proposes-modernization-of-californias-behavioral-health-system-and-more-mental-health-housing/
- https://fox5sandiego.com/news/california-news/california-to-ask-voters-to-approve-new-mental-health-beds/
- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/california-gov-newsom-to-seek-housing-and-treatment-for-mental-health-addiction
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