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During a recent address to congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Newsom assured them that Los Angeles would utilize the funds wisely. However, skepticism surrounds this claim given California's historical challenges, particularly in managing funds intended to address issues like homelessness. Critics note that despite previous substantial allocations—like the $24 billion spent on addressing homelessness—results have been dismal, with homelessness rates climbing rather than decreasing. The public's confidence in the state leadership's ability to steward the new funds wisely is in jeopardy.