Newsom proposes mental health ballot initiative

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Gov.

Gavin Newsom has a plan that he thinks will improve mental health while reducing homelessness and substance abuse in California, and he wants to leave it to the voters in 2024.

The California governor asked lawmakers to create a 2024 ballot question that will, among other things, build residential facilities where 12,000 people could live each year and receive treatment for mental health and substance abuse problems.

“We have to address and come to grips with the reality of mental health in this state and our nation,” Gov. Newsom said at a news conference in San Diego on Sunday. “The question is, ‘What can we do more and do better?’ “

The plan would use two different funding mechanisms. It would use general obligation bonds, raising between $3 billion to $5 billion to construct the housing and facilities necessary to complete the venture.

Additionally, it would reform the state’s Mental Health Services Act — a 1% tax on income exceeding $1 million that funds mental health services in the state.

Under Gov. Newsom’s proposal, he wants the measure to fund at least $1 billion each year in “local assistance for housing and residential services for people experiencing mental illness and substance use disorders and allowing MHSA funds to serve people with substance use disorders,” according to a news release from his office.

“This is the next step in our transformation of how California addresses mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness – creating thousands of new beds, building more housing, expanding services, and more,” Gov. Newsom said in the release. “People who are struggling with these issues, especially those who are on the streets or in other vulnerable conditions, will have more resources to get the help they need.”

State Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton, will introduce the measure into the state Legislature.

TRAFFIC, CRIME & FIRE BLOTTER

Lompoc shooting investigated

LOMPOC — The Lompoc Police Department received a call at 8:42 p.m. Sunday regarding a shooting that occurred in the 400 block of West Ocean Avenue.

When officers arrived, an individual was located with a wound, and officers applied life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived.

California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, criticized Gov. Newsom’s plan, saying the state must require homeless people with mental illness and drug addiction to get treatment before it starts funding any new programs. “And after that, he should reduce the taxes, fees and regulations that have made it nearly impossible for Californians to afford housing, electricity, and all other everyday costs,” Assemblymember Gallagher told Fox News. “Until then, no splashy announcement will actually change the failed status quo.” California had 171,000 homeless people last year, according to federal estimates. The state has 30% of the country’s homeless population.

Officers said they learned that one unknown Hispanic male had shot the individual, but two Hispanic males fled the scene after the shooting. The wounded individual was flown to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, where he was treated and kept for observation with a non-life-threatening injury.

Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to call the Lompoc Police Department. This case remains under investigation.

— Katherine Zehnder