North Sacramento Today

Assemblyman Josh Hoover expressed disappointment after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 2903, which aimed to improve accountability in homelessness spending. The bill had unanimous bipartisan support and proposed that state-run homelessness programs report cost and outcome data annually to the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH). It also called for ICH to establish procedures for data collection and public reporting.

“Governor Newsom had an opportunity to do what is right and hold his own agencies accountable for our state’s failed response to homelessness,” stated Assemblyman Hoover. He criticized the governor's decision, noting that despite significant spending, the state's homeless population has increased. “Our state has spent billions of taxpayer dollars in recent years only to see homelessness get worse," he added.

The legislation was based on recommendations from a recent audit by the California State Auditor, requested by Hoover. The audit found that California lacks systematic tracking of homelessness spending and does not effectively collect or assess data outcomes.

According to the Auditor's report, since 2018, nearly $24 billion has been spent on addressing homelessness in California, yet the homeless population rose by 32%, with half of the nation's unsheltered homeless residing in the state.

Hoover emphasized the need for transparency: “Californians deserve better. They deserve transparency and accountability in how their tax dollars are spent, especially on such a critical issue.”

Assemblyman Josh Hoover represents District 7, covering cities like Citrus Heights and Folsom as well as several unincorporated communities.