Editor, Ceres Courier,

While driving home from school every day, my heart always aches to see the countless homeless individuals struggling to live day to day. Something needs to be done about this terrible situation, but throwing another $11.25 billion at it through Proposition 1 will unfortunately do nothing to aid this cause. According to the California State Auditor, the state has already spent around $24 billion on homelessness between the years 2018 and 2023. During this time, the homeless population has only increased by tens of thousands, and California remains the state with the largest homeless population. Not only this, but according to the California Secretary of State, this bill will cost California $500 to $600 million per year for approximately 25 years. That could add up to $15 billion dollars to which this state cannot afford. With California’s spending history, there is no way that this money will be used efficiently.

The topic of homelessness needs to be analyzed further before simply throwing more money away, which is why you should vote no on Proposition 1.

Joseph Silveira

LETTERS POLICY: Letters will be considered for publication but must be signed and include an address and phone number. Letters should be 250 words or less and be void of libel. Send to The Ceres Courier, P.O. Box 1958, Manteca, CA 95336 or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com.