Proposition 1
Should California issue bonds and change spending rules in order to build more housing for residents with behavioral health challenges?
Proposition 1 would issue $6.38 billion in bonds to build supportive housing and residential treatment facilities. It would also amend the Mental Health Services Act (a 1% tax on personal income over $1 million), allowing funds to also be used to help residents with substance abuse, not just those with mental illness. And it would set aside 30% of revenue generated from that tax to help house people — particularly veterans — with behavioral health conditions.
Yes Argument
California should focus its resources on supporting residents who have severe mental health and substance abuse issues and keep them from living on the streets. Proposition 1 will provide a reliable funding source to build treatment facilities and it will dedicate over $1 billion toward supportive housing for veterans with behavioral health challenges. The current rules of the Mental Health Services Act are too restrictive and should be changed to help people struggling with serious substance abuse issues.
No Argument
Proposition 1 pulls revenue from the Mental Health Services Act in too many new directions. If you are increasing the amount of MHSA money going toward housing and residents with substance abuse issues, there will be less left for existing mental health services. Additionally, the bond money can be used to build locked facilities, which are a threat to civil liberties and will take California back to the era of involuntary treatment for severe mental illness.
Key Supporters
In Support
- Gavin Newsom, governor, California
- California Hospital Association
- California Medical Association
- National Alliance on Mental Illness California
In Opposition
- Disability Rights California
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
- League of Women Voters of California
- Mental Health America of California