Liberal Democrats are quick to praise themselves for the status of the cities and states they run. In their eyes every policy they enact and every decision they make is best for everyone involved.
In recent years these liberal-run government operations have been exposed as less than what Democrats describe to the public. News reports continue to reveal the downfall of Democrat control from the nasty streets of San Francisco to rampant crime in Chicago to failing public services in New York City.
One of the most high-profile Democrats who catches more headlines than most is California Gov. Gavin Newsom. He recently took to the national stage in a debate against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Newsom touted how The Golden State is a premiere example of liberal policies that supposedly developed a thriving economy.
But like so many politicians, Newsom failed to peel back the layers of his state’s budget and openly share the underlying problems. Newsom’s claims of a grand outlook were tainted by the reality of a budget with serious issues. His own state officials pointed out the daunting problem.
From the Daily Caller:
California’s budget deficit has nearly tripled since last year, culminating in the largest revenue discrepancy the state has ever seen, according to a report from the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO).
The report was a slap in the face for Newsom and his band of Democrats. The state’s budget deficit ballooned to $68 billion this year after recording a deficit of $24 billion last year, owing to an unprecedented tax-revenue shortfall, according to the LAO report.
Newsom has been talking California’s economy for years only to be met with annual budget pitfalls, including spending on his priority projects such as drought mitigation efforts, abortion initiatives, and rising inflation. Newsom enjoyed a $97.5 billion surplus in May 2022, and now is trying to save face and the state’s budget.
Newsom’s office put out a statement that said the state still maintains strong reserves. The governor is planning for a balanced budget next year to “address our challenges” and will ensure “accountability and judicious use of taxpayer money.”
The governor must work with just $24 billion of that almost $100 billion surplus in a time when the current deficit comes from less state revenue than what was previously projected.
Also contributing to the deficit is a huge homelessness crisis. The state has about 30% of the total homeless population in the nation and has spent $30 billion on the issue since Newsom took office in 2019.
Key Takeaways:
- California has reached a new milestone, and it isn’t good for taxpayers.
- Gavin Newsom promotes the state economy even as revenue falls.
- Making up losses in the state budget will be a multi-billion-dollar problem.
Source: Daily Caller
