Calif. Senate Proposal Would Use Funding From Prop. 63 To Provide Housing to Homeless Individuals

On Monday, California state senators proposed a $2 billion plan that would use money from Proposition 63 -- also known as the Mental Health Services Act -- to provide permanent housing for homeless individuals, particularly those with mental illnesses. Prop. 63 imposes a 1% tax on residents with incomes greater than $1 million annually to provide mental health services. State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) said, "First and foremost we have to stabilize" homeless individuals before mental health and drug treatment services can be provided.

• "California Lawmakers Propose $2 Billion Plan To Aid Homeless" (Thompson, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 1/4).
• "California Legislators Propose Spending $2 Billion To Build Housing for Homeless" (Holland, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 1/4).