January 8, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sara Floor, Communications Manager
916-327-7500, ext. 516; email: sfloor@counties.org

SACRAMENTO –California State Association of Counties (CSAC) issues the following reaction to Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal related to homelessness.

California’s Counties appreciate Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget commitment to address the statewide homelessness crisis. As the frontline providers of a host of vital services for homeless individuals, Counties stand ready to work with the Governor and Legislature to develop and apply new solutions to meet the challenge of homelessness on the streets and in our communities. 

“Counties agree with Governor Newsom that homelessness is the crisis of our time and California’s Counties will continue to make this issue a priority at every level,” said CSAC President and Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. “The Governor’s proposal has potential to make substantial progress on homelessness and further progress will require ongoing investments, policy changes and cooperation at the Federal, state, county and city levels to tackle this issue.”

Counties stand ready to work with the Governor to improve the efficiency, flexibility, accountability and transparency of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA, Proposition 63 of 2004), starting with ensuring that Counties can continue to serve some of California’s most vulnerable, individuals with mental illnesses, through this critical local funding source. In anticipation of working with the Governor to examine the MHSA, the CSAC Board of Directors voted on December 5, 2019 to form a MHSA Working Group, chaired by CSAC President and Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, which is comprised of County Supervisors, County Executives, and County Behavioral Health Directors. 

The Governor’s proposals for a new statewide flexible housing pool, repurposing state properties for shelters, applying emergency trailers and infrastructure for housing, and implementing the new Medi-Cal Healthier California for All initiative (formerly known as CalAIM) all align with County priorities for combatting homelessness. Furthermore, these strategies will work on coordinated and innovative responses, and leveraging the lessons learned from the past few years of state-county-city partnerships on housing, health, and homelessness.

California’s 58 counties are responsible for providing a wide array of services to the state’s most vulnerable populations and those experiencing homelessness. Counties coordinate health, mental health, social services, substance use disorder services, law enforcement outreach, housing navigation programs, and shelter options to reach those who are on the streets. CSAC remains committed to continue building on partnerships with the Governor and Legislature to ensure that Counties have the resources, flexibility, and accountability they need to combat the homelessness crisis.  

California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level. 

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