BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to cut city and county funding that aren’t cleaning up our homelessness encampments, just weeks after signing his executive order to clear encampments, and get people off the streets.
Governor Newsom was targeting county and city leaders because he says they are not doing enough in handling the homelessness crisis.
“I want a sense of urgency…urgency,” Newsom said.
Newsom signed the executive order after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed governments to fine and arrest people sleeping in public places. City and county leaders are not required to act on the executive order.
Newsom says that’s exactly why he needs to threaten cutting funds.
“If we don’t see demonstrable results, I’ll start to redirect money,” said Newsom. “I’m not interested in status quo any longer.”
Newsom already redirected 10 million dollars from San Diego County to San Jose to build tiny homes. California dedicated over $27 billion to the homelessness crisis and more than $40 billion in affordable housing.