California, which has the US’s highest rate of homelessness, will likely ask voters to approve billions of dollars more in spending to help address a crisis that’s spilled onto the streets of every major city in the state

California, which has the US’s highest rate of homelessness, will likely ask voters to approve billions of dollars more in spending to help address a crisis that’s spilled onto the streets of every major city in the state, per Bloomberg.

Governor Gavin Newsom plans to ask the Democratic-controlled California legislature to put a measure on the November 2024 ballot seeking to issue a $3 billion bond to pay for construction of mental-health treatment centers capable of serving at least 10,000 people a year.

Newsom also wants to divert $1 billion a year from an existing 1% tax on people earning at least $1 million to fund mental health and drug-addiction services, per Bloomberg.

California’s homeless population has swelled to roughly 171,510 people, per Bloomberg.

After years of budget surpluses, the state’s financial fortunes are turning, with a projected $22.5 billion budget deficit.

Los Angeles voters passed an initiative to increase the transfer tax on property deals valued at $5 million or more to raise money for affordable housing. It takes effect April 1.