Voters are divided on Proposition 1.
Propelled by Gov. Gavin Newsom, voters were asked whether to authorize a nearly $6.4 billion bond for facilities for mental health or substance abuse treatment. But the first batch of votes tabulated after polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, show no clear winner.
Newsom argues Proposition 1 will give the state a great tool in fighting homelessness, an issue that many voters rank as one of the state’s biggest problems.
Critics of Proposition 1, including many who provide services for the homeless and the League of Women Voters, say it’s too rigid, and will push counties to spend money in ways that might not be appropriate for that community.
It is not entirely a new tax. Instead, Proposition 1 would refocus money generated by the so-called millionaire tax that was approved by California voters in 2004. That tax, which generates up to $3.5 billion a year, provides about a third of the state’s overall mental health budget.
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If Proposition 1 passes, counties would be required to spend most of that money on housing and programs for homeless people who are battling mental illnesses or substance addiction. It would generate 4,350 housing units (half aimed at veterans), as well as 6,800 in-patient spaces for mental health services and another 26,700 slots for outpatient treatment, according to the California Budget and Policy Center.
The cost would run about $310 million a year for 30 years.
This is only an early projection of returns; results will continue to be tallied throughout Tuesday night and will be updated every weekday until all ballots are counted. Continue to check back here for updates.