A measure that promises to update the state’s mental health system and expand covered treatments for those fighting addictions has been passed by voters with a slim majority.
Prop. 1 has been touted as sorely needed reform for an aging and outdated system, as well as a way to tackle the state’s crisis of homelessness.
The measure gives the state greater control over funds raised by a voter-approved tax on income over $1 million, which was enacted in 2004. Counties will now be required to spend more of the money raised on housing and programs for unhoused people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems.
Backers of the measure, which was championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, said it would help to build thousands of new treatment beds and supportive housing and set aside $1 billion for veteran housing along with recruiting and training 65,000 mental health workers.
Opponents, including disability advocates and local elected officials, panned the measure as a wasteful policy disaster waiting to happen that would end up cutting existing mental health services and other community programs that keep people from becoming homeless to begin with.
