Bass Skips Funding Hearing
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declines invitation to testify on federal homelessness funding.
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Key Points
1
LAHSA’s federal funding was halted earlier in the year amid an investigation into allegations including false statements, financial-management problems and inadequate safeguards against conflicts of interest.
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Los Angeles continues to provide LAHSA with hundreds of millions of dollars, but the city’s latest budget cut that support by 40%, to $496 million.
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Although Bass’s counsel emphasized that LAHSA operates separately from the city, Bass and four mayoral appointees hold five of the 10 seats on the agency’s commission; the remaining five are appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
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The city attributes the reported reduction in street homelessness partly to its Inside Safe program, which has moved people from the streets into interim housing.
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The subcommittee asked Bass to appear before an 18-member panel, and the requested documents were due Sept. 14—one day before the proposed testimony date.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will not testify before a House subcommittee on September 15 about more than $1 billion in federal homelessness funds managed by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, ABC7 reported. Her attorney said she was unavailable that day, though her office indicated it was working with the panel to reschedule.
The hearing centers on allegations of waste, fraud and mismanagement at LAHSA, which saw its federal funding halted earlier this year during an investigation. Newsmax noted that Congressional Republicans have questioned whether homelessness programs properly used taxpayer money, citing concerns about contracting and oversight.
Bass Steps Back, Records to Be Collected
Bass's office agreed to collect records dating to 2020 on LAHSA's finances, internal controls and communications among city and county officials. However, it warned the review could take time. The Post Millennial reported that Bass's counsel emphasized LAHSA operates separately from the city, even though Bass and four mayoral appointees hold five of the agency's 10 commission seats.
The subcommittee requested these documents by September 14—just one day before the proposed testimony date. WND noted that Representative Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, has questioned Bass about the $1 billion in federal funds.
Federal Investigation Halts LAHSA Funding
LAHSA's federal funding stopped earlier this year as investigators examined allegations including false statements, financial-management problems and inadequate safeguards against conflicts of interest. NY Post reported that Bass is stepping down from LAHSA's governing commission amid pressure from the House panel.
Los Angeles continues funding LAHSA with hundreds of millions of dollars, but the city's latest budget cut that support by 40%, down to $496 million. The city attributes a reported 11% decline in street homelessness since 2023 partly to its Inside Safe program, which moves people from streets into interim housing.
Homelessness Numbers Show Mixed Results
Bass disputes claims that homelessness worsened during her tenure. She pointed to an 11% drop in street homelessness since 2023. However, one annual count showed an increase in people living outdoors within the city limits during the same period, creating conflicting data about progress.
The hearing has not been rescheduled yet, but Bass's office indicated it was communicating with the subcommittee about a possible new date. Newsmax reported that no timeline has been announced for when the testimony might occur.
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