Driving Social Change One “#” at a Time

May 30, 2018

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the California State Senate unanimously voted in support of Senator Richard D. Roth’s SB 1112. This crucial piece of legislation empowers California drivers to mitigate our homelessness crisis by creating a specialized license plate that uses the “#” symbol, thus funding supportive and transitional services.

“Chronic homelessness is a perennial problem in this state,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “We pass bonds to help create homes for the chronically homeless, but you can’t use bond money to fund supportive services. While a physical home is crucial, experts agree that supportive services – mental health programs, substance abuse programs, job counseling – are critical to truly transform a person’s life. This bill creates a funding stream for those vital services.”

California accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population – nearly 134,000 people are homeless in California. A recent report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities spotlights the significance of supportive services in helping people experiencing homelessness. The report cites that people dealing with mental health issues may need helpful reminders to pay their rent on time, or manage their diet and medicine properly. This kind of help can keep people out of hospitals or nursing homes.

Senator Roth continued: “This bill is about Californians helping Californians get back on their feet one hashtag, one license plate, one life at a time.”

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.