California governor approves 2 proposals for mental health reform to go before voters in 2024

By TRÂN NGUYỄN
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed off on two proposals to transform the state’s mental health system and to address the state’s worsening homelessness crisis. The plan announced Thursday will go before voters in March 2024. Newsom wants to borrow billions of dollars through a bond to pay for 11,150 new treatment beds. The measure would also overhaul how counties pay for mental and behavioral health programs. Supporters say the proposal would make a dent in the state’s growing homelessness crisis and bring necessary updates to its mental health system. Local counties fear it would take away funding from existing programs and reduce spending flexibility.