Governor Vetoes Legislation to Establish an Office to End Homelessness

SACRAMENTO –Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 1845, authored by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta), was vetoed by the Governor. AB 1845 would have established a centralized State Office on Homelessness to more efficiently and effectively coordinate the delivery of services between our 13 different state agencies and departments implementing at least 30 different homelessness programs.

AB 1845 would have implemented long overdue policy reforms recommended by the Little Hoover Commission, California State Auditor, Legislative Analyst Office, and Governor Newsom’s Council of Regional Homeless Advisors to help combat our growing homelessness crisis.

“There is still a lot of work that needs to be done on homelessness. Last year, I introduced legislation to help identify California’s homeless children, and I remain committed to ensuring that the state fulfills its responsibility to our most vulnerable residents,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “While I am disappointed AB 1845 was vetoed, I am honored we had strong support from my Democratic and Republican colleagues, four big city mayors, and 90 organizations from across the state. I appreciate the work that this Governor, and his Administration has done this year under significant pressure to combat homelessness. Our residents expect us to stop talking about fixing homelessness, and show them that we are serious. Our homeless individuals deserve more than words - they deserve action. I welcome the Governor’s commitment to work with me next year to advance much needed reform.”

Homelessness, is not an urban or rural problem. It is a statewide issue that we must resolve together.

AB 1845 is jointly authored by the Chair of Assembly Housing Committee, David Chiu, and sponsored by the Corporation for Supportive Housing and Housing California.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and the City of San Fernando.