Assemblywoman Luz Rivas Introduces Historic Bill to Reverse the Cycle of Homelessness in California

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D - Arleta) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 71, historic legislation that would establish a permanent source of funding to reverse the cycle of homelessness in California. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages across California, Luz Rivas was sworn in to her second term on Monday, and immediately introduced the bill -- one of many steps to keeping Californians safe as the virus continues to endanger our public health and our economy.

For decades, California has attempted to address homelessness with short-term or piecemeal solutions -- but it hasn’t been early enough. Now, hundreds of thousands of Californians are either currently experiencing or on the brink of homelessness -- a staggering number that is climbing by the day as a result of COVID-19. It’s clear that to make meaningful change and reverse the cycle of homelessness, California needs a permanent solution.

“California is facing an unprecedented homelessness crisis that has the potential for becoming a full blown catastrophe if California fails to rise up and meet this moment,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “AB 71 will provide a stable and ongoing funding source to help local governments in every corner of this great state implement much needed policies and programs that have failed to be advanced because of limited and inconsistent funding which would ultimately leave our local communities to fend for themselves. Closing corporate loopholes and asking our state’s wealthiest residents to pitch in will provide the first ever-dedicated funding source to combat homelessness. Last year, I welcomed the Governor’s commitment to work with me on homelessness. I look forward to getting it done this year thanks to his leadership.”  

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti endorsed the measure, saying, "Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, California has shown what's possible when we pour time, energy, attention, and resources into swift solutions to bring our unsheltered residents indoors.” He continued, "With Asm. Luz Rivas and other co-authors leading the charge, the state legislature has an immense opportunity: to deploy a clear-cut strategy to address the homelessness crisis, make lasting investments in needed services and support, and deliver housing, health care, help, and hope to our most vulnerable neighbors." 

Also endorsing Asm. Luz Rivas’ legislation, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said, “Projects Roomkey and Homekey proved that the powerful combination of robust additional funding and a public health imperative could dramatically reduce homelessness by the thousands. We can replicate the same success long-term with both sustained funding and a comparable requirement to the public health orders that provides the same urgency. This bold proposal gets us started." 

“Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ bill is the type of bold proposal we need to truly fight homelessness in California,” said Tomiquia Moss, Founder and CEO of All Home. “What we’ve tried thus far hasn't worked -- and now, the stakes could not be higher for hundreds of thousands of Californians. This proposal would certainly put us on a path to housing security for all.”

Christopher Martin, Policy Director of Housing California, said, "To win the future, we must learn from the past. One-time, insufficient investments don't move the needle -- we've tried that and now 151,000 Californians are still without shelter. That's why we need sustained, annual investment to bring Californians home -- created through a more equitable tax system and standing up for those who are the most in need. We're proud to work with Assemblywoman Luz Rivas and allies to put us on the path towards ending homelessness."

Bring California Home, a coalition of elected officials and advocates from across California is supporting AB 71. For more information about the coalition and the plan to reverse the cycle of homelessness, visit www.bringcahome.org.

Assemblywoman Luz 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.

###