Ramos ‘disappointed’ in veto of proposal to aid homeless LGBTQ youth and families
Ramos ‘disappointed’ in veto of proposal to aid homeless LGBTQ youth and families
SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) expressed his regret over the veto, announced today, of AB 2663 which would have established a voluntary pilot Youth Acceptance Project to assist one of the most vulnerable groups of the homeless – LGBTQ+ youth – with needed services.
“I am disappointed in the governor’s veto, but will consult with our sponsors and the administration to consider introducing a recrafted proposal aimed at overcoming the governor’s concerns. AB 2663 received overwhelming support in the legislature because of the population the bill targets. I am heartened that the governor’s message stated his support of our “efforts to prevent youth homelessness by increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ children among parents/caregivers, foster parents, adoptive parents, extended family members, social workers and others involved in a child's care.”
Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, the bill's sponsor, said, “Rates of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth are alarming and unacceptable. The Youth Acceptance Project pilot program in AB 2663 would have expanded a successful model for preventing LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and involvement in the child welfare system. These youth are well worth California’s investment. Stoner-Mertz added, "We are grateful to Assemblymember Ramos for his dedication to youth acceptance, and we are determined to keep working toward a California where all youth have the chance to thrive."
Ramos said, “Conflict and rejection of young people identifying as LGBTQ+ has resulted in high numbers of this group experiencing homelessness, but also education disruption, social isolation, depression and other troubling issues,” Ramos said. He added that the Youth Acceptance Project to be created by the bill would be responsive to the families’ experiences within their own culture, religion and race.
A recent national survey on LGBTQ+ youth and mental health revealed:
• Nearly half (44%) of Native/Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their life.
• Homelessness and housing instability were reported at higher rates among transgender and nonbinary youth, including 38% of transgender girls/women, 39% of transgender boys/men, and 35% of nonbinary youth. Page 2 of 2
• 55% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that they ran away from home because of mistreatment or fear of mistreatment due to their LGBTQ+ identity.
• 40% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that they were kicked out or abandoned due to their LGBTQ+ identity.
AB 2663 was supported by the California Teachers Association, National Center for Lesbian Rights, County Behavioral Health Directors Association, California Alliance of Caregivers, California Coalition for Youth, and National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter.
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Assemblymember James Ramos proudly represents the 40th Assembly district which includes Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. He chairs the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.