Groups Rally Against Budget at City Hall

Released during a press conference last week, Newsom’s budget allocated money from the general fund for the likes of capital projects and the 311 Call Center. What it didn’t do was provide support for those most in need of it, namely homeless persons and low income families, the elderly and immigrants. Daly said in his speech that “The budget does not reflect the realities of people living in San Francisco.”

What became overwhelmingly clear at City Hall about the reality of San Francisco life is that it is getting more difficult and more dangerous. Two common themes from many of the afternoon’s speakers were the exodus of families moving from San Francisco and the rising crime rate.

Astoundingly, San Francisco has the lowest population of children of any major city in the United States. Currently only two of every ten people are children. This statistic portrays how difficult it is for a middle class family, let alone a low income family to afford the cost of living in San Francisco. “The city is hemorrhaging families,” said a representative from the Living Wage Coalition, pointing out that those who cannot afford to leave are essentially forced to become homeless.

The Coalition of Homelessness recommended in part a “Housing First for Homeless Families” policy that prioritizes the men, women and children who are living on the streets and in and out of the City’s shelters. This policy would allocate 25% of the 3000 housing units for homeless families; Current plans have the Mayor setting aside 7% of these units for families.

Supervisor Daly, who is Chair of the Budget Committee, hopes to ultimately secure $25 million from the general fund to go towards many of the interests represented at the rally.

Daly criticized Newsom for referring to his proposed budget in his speech last week as “compassionate and common sense.”

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