The totality of these policies has proved poisonous to California citizens. Since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, California’s budget has grown two and a half times (opens in new tab) to almost $300 billion. But no rider of BART, parent of a California student, or renter or prospective homebuyer in the state would say their life is two and a half times better.
Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has boosted staffing in the executive branch by 20% (opens in new tab) and added $11 billion to annual spending on compensation and benefits. When faced with recent deficits, he tapped budget reserves rather than freeze hiring or compensation. This isn’t incompetence — it’s political self-preservation.
Meanwhile, Texas and Florida have absorbed massive population growth (opens in new tab) while keeping per-capita spending increases below the rate of inflation. The difference isn’t the cost of living; it’s the cost of elected officials in California giving in to public employee unions. Breaking that cycle requires citizen action. Real change will come only when voters reward politicians who serve them instead of special interests.
As Newsom eyes the White House in 2028, he faces a question that could define his candidacy: Should he roll over and endorse two new taxes and even higher spending? Or does he have the will to challenge the unions that have funded his campaigns (opens in new tab)?
“Since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, California’s budget has grown two and a half times to almost $300 billion…