With an $8.8 billion surplus projected for California, all eyes are on the 2018-19 state budget – and a potential deal over the next two weeks that could help the state take the next step toward tackling its catastrophic affordable housing and homelessness crisis.
The good news: All of the major players in Sacramento budget making (Governor Brown, the Assembly and Senate) have proposed increased funding for affordable housing. The Senate has proposed to invest $5 billion over the next five years in affordable housing and homelessness, including $1 billion from this year’s budget. The Assembly is proposing a $1.5 billion block grant to assist Californians experiencing homelessness, as well as smaller, one-time expenditures on supportive housing and shelter services. Meanwhile, the Governor’s May Revision includes $395 million for homeless programs and proposes placing the $2 billion No Place Like Home initiative on the November ballot.
Final numbers will be determined during budget negotiations, as the Legislature and Governor work to meet the June 15 final budget deadline.
The bottom line for CHC? With both houses and Governor Brown seeking new investments in affordable housing, we are hopeful that state leaders are heeding the calls of the affordable housing community – and will continue to take this unparalleled crisis seriously, for the well-being of the seniors, veterans and working families bearing the brunt of the state’s desperate shortage of affordable homes and for the public paying the economic price.
Just a year ago, we were fighting to make affordable housing a priority. We have worked hard to stay at the top of the state agenda, while continuing to garner support for the passage of the $4 billion Veterans and Affordable Housing Act – a measure we were not certain would even make it to the Governor’s desk last year, or onto the November 2018 ballot.
We’re making progress, and we can’t stop now. We need your help reminding state leaders the affordable housing crisis will demand ongoing, significant investment for the foreseeable future, including building more affordable housing. We will keep you informed so you can put in the calls, send in letters and take action to push for the budget funding that is essential for building the affordable homes Californians need to live and thrive across our communities.
Sincerely,
Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director
