The Blubber

San Francisco Mayor London Breed is proposing new legislation requiring low-income residents to undergo substance abuse screening and treatment in order to receive welfare, per NYP.

Breed expressed that this move aims to instill accountability in addressing the city's challenges related to drugs and homelessness.

“We need to make a significant change,” asserted Breed. “No more allowing 'anything goes' without accountability, and no more providing assistance without accountability.”

For Breed's proposal to become law, it must secure approval from the Board of Supervisors. The reactions from supervisors on Tuesday were varied. Board President Aaron Peskin characterized the mayor's initiative as “grasping for a political lifeline” and foresaw its failure, whereas Supervisor Matt Dorsey was supportive, recognizing that “coercive interventions can work.” In the event that the board does not endorse the proposal, Breed retains the option to present it to voters through a ballot initiative.

In San Francisco, approximately 5,200 city residents benefit from grants through the County Adult Assistance Program, which disbursed $30.3 million in fiscal year 2022. Housed residents can receive up to $697 monthly. However, the benefit for homeless residents was modified in 2002 with the passage of Proposition N, also known as Care not Cash, ensuring homeless individuals receive $105 per month along with a shelter bed.