Californians split on ballot measure to tackle homelessness crisis

By TRÂN NGUYỄN
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Californians are split in early returns over a statewide ballot measure that Gov. Gavin Newson says he needs to tackle the state’s homelessness crisis. Proposition 1 was the only measure on the ballot. It was too early to call Tuesday night. It has been one of the most complicated measures in the last few years. It would authorize the state to borrow $6.4 billion to build housing and treatment beds and would also restrict how counties use money from a 2004 tax on millionaires meant to fund mental health services. Critics say the change would threaten programs that are keeping people from becoming homeless in the first place.