SUMMARY
California voters narrowly passed a ballot measure that will fund billions of dollars to help the state tackle its homelessness crisis. Gov. Newsom celebrated the victory, but opponents say it doesn’t do enough to keep people from becoming homeless in the first place and gives the state too much control over mental health spending. William Brangham discussed the initiative with Christine Mai-Duc.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
key terms
ballot measure — a proposed policy that citizens vote on directly in elections (as opposed to through state legislatures).
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- How many people are homeless in California?
- Who is the new initiative designed to help?
- What does the ballot measure fund?
- Where did opposition to the ballot initiative come from?
- Why doesn't the new measure do enough to end homelessness, according to critics?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What do you think is the most critical action states can take to help address homelessness? After listening to this story, what else do you think California can do to help reduce the number of people in the state living without housing?
Media literacy: How is your own state or local community trying to address homelessness? If you don't know, how can you find out?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Watch the following video from Student Reporting Labs and then discuss — what special considerations do you think state and local governments can take to help children and young people experiencing homelessness?
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each week.
