California State Governor, Gavin Newsom, has taken a policy decision on dealing with California’s excessive homeless population that one lawyer described as “draconian.”
The executive order, which comes amidst extreme levels of homelessness in the state, was issued on Thursday.
California Homeless Population
California has a massive homeless population, that rises year-on-year. According to some, the increase may be in part due to unaffordable house prices.
In 2023, California had a homeless population of 180,000, a 6% jump on the previous year.
California Special
Cities and states across the US are dealing with rising populations of homeless people due to a number of varied factor.
Even so, California stands out in this regard, with the Golden State alone home to over a quarter of the entire US population of homeless people.
US Homelessness Problem
The US as a whole is also facing an issue with the number of people without permanent accommodation on the rise.
Since records began back in 2007, 2023 saw the highest population of homeless people in the US, at 653,000.
Investment Without Return
California has poured millions of dollars and a ton of effort into tackling their homeless issue over the years.
Despite this investment, they have not only seen scant return, but have in fact been sliding backwards, as evidenced by the latest figures.
Supreme Court Decision
The issue gained enough prominence to spur a recent Supreme Court decision, the Grants Pass v Johnson decision.
The Supreme Court re-interpreted the 8th Amendment, effectively deeming anti-camping laws not a “cruel and unusual punishment”, as they had been considered in previous precedents.
Republican Examination
Republicans have for some time been criticizing how Democratic leaders deal with urban homeless populations.
Many cities with high degrees of homelessness are also governed by Democratic civil servants and mayors.
Newsom’s Order
Newsom, welcoming the recent Supreme Court decision, issued an executive order permitting state authorities to ban outdoor sleeping.
The order will not affect local municipalities, although they will be expected to fall in line, given their funding depends on those higher-level authorities.
Newsom’s Call to Action
Newsom has called on all levels of government to take action to help him tackle California’s homeless population.
He says: “There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”
Draconian and Ineffective
Advocates for the homeless claim they were not consulted, and criticized the order, calling it “counterproductive”.
A lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union, Scout Katovich, told the BBC that the order was “draconian,” “ineffective and potentially cruel”.
