CSAC Statement on AB/SB 129 Homelessness Trailer Bill Language
For Immediate Release
June 27, 2023
Sacramento, CA - California is immersed in an unacceptable homelessness crisis that requires bold and urgent action. The budget trailer bills on homelessness funding (AB 129/SB 129) includes progress to bolster local collaboration and define roles and responsibilities for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, but it falls short of meeting the moment.
Counties applaud the inclusion of a collaborative framework and language requiring local governments to define some responsibilities as outlined in the AT HOME plan. Counties also appreciate the proposed $1 billion in one-time funding for 2023-24, but the budget agreement fails to provide the multi-year funding commitment and program streamlining required to make measurable progress.
All levels of government simply cannot address this complex issue without ongoing funding to plan and support an effective system. No state, county or city model on any issue of priority to all Californians is successful without the state first developing a comprehensive system with clearly defined roles and responsibilities and funding it appropriately.
The CSAC AT HOME plan, which rests on a foundation of sustainable multi-year funding and clear accountability, is designed to change the course of homelessness in our communities. The budget trailer bill makes important progress toward this goal but the AT HOME Coalition for Accountability continues to call for the bold action and ongoing investment required from our state partners to assist all levels of government in addressing the humanitarian crisis of our time.
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