California governor seeks $1 billion to target homelessness

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - With California awash in revenue, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spend a billion dollars on programs targeting the growing homeless crisis.

He signed an executive order Wednesday creating what he intends to be a $750 million fund that providers could tap to pay rents, fund affordable housing units or to aid boarding and care homes.

He also proposed changes to the state's Medicaid program designed to increase spending on preventive health care. And he wants to use vacant state property to house the homeless.

Some tax groups and Republican lawmakers are skeptical. The state's billion-dollar investment last year has yet to curb homelessness.