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In LA, Newsom Rallies Support For Proposition 1 And More Mental Health Treatment Beds
Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Jan. 3, 2024, to rally support for Proposition 1.
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Robert Garrova / LAist
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Topline:
Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by Mayor Karen Bass, Sheriff Robert Luna and other officials in Boyle Heights to drum up support for Proposition 1, a March ballot measure the governor's office says would raise more than $6 billion for mental health treatment facilities and housing.
Opposition: Opponents of Proposition 1 worry it would lead to more options for involuntary treatment, among other concerns.
The details: The proposal on the ballot would authorize $6.38 billion in bonds to pay for some 11,000 behavioral treatment beds and supportive housing “for people with the most acute behavioral health issues.” It would also pay for more than 26,000 outpatient treatment slots, Newsom’s office said.
The quote: Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Newsom said first responders regularly see the mental health care system failing to help the sickest, who often cycle between homelessness and incarceration.
“They’re out there every single day. And the one thing they don’t have is the slots. They don’t have the beds. It’s whack-a-mole. And it’s demoralizing,” Newsom said.
What’s next: Proposition 1 will be put to voters on the March 5 ballot.
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