Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks during a rally in support of a "Yes" vote on Proposition 50, a congressional redistricting measure in the November 4 special election, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 1, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson
(Los Angeles, California) – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing backlash after defending taxpayer-funded dental care for homeless drug addicts, arguing that the public is already paying for the consequences of homelessness and addiction.
Bass’ argument is that untreated health problems eventually become more expensive through emergency care, public health costs and city services.
Critics see it very differently. They argue law-abiding taxpayers are being asked to fund benefits for addicts while many working families struggle to pay for their own dental care.
The controversy comes as Los Angeles continues to wrestle with homelessness, open-air drug use and frustration over how public money is being spent.
