Gavin Newsom ripped by Democrats for $20M ‘Governor’s legacy fund’
California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently proposed a controversial plan to allocate $20 million of taxpayer money to create a fund honoring the living former governors of the state. This proposal has sparked outrage among his fellow Democrats, who argue that the timing is inappropriate given the state’s current challenges, including a record deficit, high gas prices, healthcare costs, and a homelessness crisis.
The proposal, buried within Newsom’s final record-setting $349.9 billion budget, has raised eyebrows as it could potentially pave the way for Newsom to be honored once he leaves office in January. Democratic Senator Christopher Cabaldon, who has served under all five living governors, criticized the plan, stating, “It’s not really the time for celebrating legacies and building ballrooms.”
The plan has faced backlash from other Democratic lawmakers as well. Senator Caroline Menjivar called it “absurd” during a committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues like healthcare for seniors instead. Republican candidate Steve Hilton also expressed disbelief at the proposal, calling it “out of touch” and criticizing Newsom for adding to the state’s already high taxes with a “ridiculous vanity project.”
Newsom’s office initially declined to comment on the $20 million allocation, redirecting inquiries to the Department of Finance. However, when pressed further, a spokesperson for the governor stated that the funds were earmarked for projects recognizing the past living governors of both parties for their service to the state.
The proposal has drawn skepticism due to its lack of specifics on how the funds will be used to honor former governors like Pete Wilson, Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jerry Brown. Some lawmakers have openly mocked the idea, comparing it to President Trump’s White House ballroom renovations and questioning the lack of oversight and objectives.
Critics argue that the state should prioritize more pressing issues, such as healthcare, housing costs, and grocery bills, rather than allocating funds for a project that may not benefit Californians directly. The state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office has recommended rejecting Newsom’s proposal, citing future structural deficits and the need to avoid new discretionary spending.
Overall, Newsom’s proposal to honor California’s living governors has sparked controversy and divided opinions among lawmakers and residents. As the budget process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the $20 million fund will be approved and how it will be implemented to honor the state’s former leaders.
