Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Governor's $1.4B Homelessness Plan Lacks A 'Clear Strategy,' Legislative Analyst Says
A homeless man sleeps on a bus bench on a hot day in downtown Los Angeles. (Chava Sanchez/ LAist)
()
A new report pulls the rug out from under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to fight homelessness.
Newsom carved out more than $1.4 billion in his proposed budget last month to go towards homeless services — a lot of money with a lot of promise behind it.
But in its report, the state Legislative Analyst's Office says the Governor’s plan doesn't present a “clear strategy,” and that it was less likely to have a "meaningful, ongoing impact" on the problem.
“This [plan] kind of represents a series of investments the state government has done as one-time measures,” Gary Painter, director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute at USC, tells KPCC’s Take Two. “The hope for many lawmakers that I’ve spoken to is that they will be able to craft a long-term strategy, but they recognize that it’s going to take some time to develop such a strategy.”
Support for LAist comes from
With the homelessness crisis swelling with each day, however, the governor’s office says their plan is aggressive enough for the short-term.
"We strongly disagree with the assertion that emergency funding to fight homelessness should be spread thinly, with less accountability and in keeping with business as usual,” Newsom press secretary Jesse Melgar said in a statement. “The Governor's proposal aims to use the new fund as a catalyst for wraparound services to get people off the street and calls on locals to do the same."
The first in-depth hearing by state lawmakers on Newsom’s proposal kicks off tomorrow in San Francisco.
GO DEEPER:
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist