League of California Cities Disappointed with Governor Newsom Veto of SB 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jill Oviatt, (916) 658-8228
Cell: (916) 882-8656

Sacramento – The League of California Cities today issued the following statement in response to news that Governor Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 5 (Beall, McGuire, Portantino). SB 5 would have established a state partnership with cities and counties to provide an ongoing, sustainable and accountable source of funding to build affordable housing and address the housing shortage and homeless crisis.

“We’re very disappointed that Governor Newsom vetoed SB 5,” said Carolyn Coleman, executive director, League of California Cities. “In communities throughout the state, we simply do not have enough affordable housing available to low- and very- low income households. SB 5 would have earmarked much needed ongoing funding for local governments to build tens of thousands of affordable units, helping us put a dent in the housing affordability and homeless crisis. SB 5 would have made a real difference.

Continued Coleman, “Though we are disappointed, we are not giving up. We will continue to work with Governor Newsom, the Legislature, and the broad coalition of labor, local government, business, housing and other advocates on a bill next year that will provide sustainable funding to increase the supply of affordable housing.”