California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to remove homeless encampments.

“No more excuses. We’ve provided the time. We’ve provided the funds. Now it’s time for locals to do their job,” Newsom said Thursday.

Newsom’s executive order follows a Supreme Court decision allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces.

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From the Associated Press:

Newsom’s order is aimed at the thousands of tents and makeshift shelters across the state that line freeways, clutter shopping center parking lots and fill city parks. The order makes clear that the decision to remove the encampments remains in local hands.

The order comes after a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this summer allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces. The case was the most significant on the issue to come before the high court in decades and comes as cities across the country have wrestled with the politically complicated issue of how to deal with a rising number of people without a permanent place to live and public frustration over related health and safety issues.

“There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part,” Newsom said in a statement.

While Newsom cannot order local authorities to act, his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for counties and cities.

KTLA 5 reports:

The news comes as Angelenos are preparing to vote on a new tax increase to fund affordable housing and homeless services in Los Angeles.

The Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solutions & Prevention Now initiative proposes a tax hike to fund a “comprehensive homelessness response program” and invest in new strategies to address encampments and create affordable housing.

California was home to the highest number of homeless people, with an estimated 180,000 last year, the New York Times reported.

The order also comes as Republicans have stepped up their criticisms of California and its homelessness crisis as Vice President Kamala Harris — a former California district attorney, attorney general and senator — launches her presidential campaign.

Harris entered the race over the weekend after President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection.

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