California faces an $18 billion deficit by 2026-27 as Democrat Gov. Newsom's spending policies create a structural budget crisis worse than projected.
www.foxnews.com
California used to be the place where people went to chase dreams. Today, it’s the place where fiscal discipline goes to die. The Golden State, which is home to Hollywood glitz, Silicon Valley billionaires and the highest state taxes in America, is broke again. It's staring down another multibillion-dollar deficit that exposes just how unstable and dysfunctional its financial model has become. In short, the Golden State isn’t so golden anymore.
For years, politicians like Democrat Gov.
Gavin Newsom have insisted that California is the shining example of fiscal sensibility that America should follow. But when you peel back the layers, what you really find is a state government that can’t stop spending, can’t plan for the future and is now caught in a structural budget crisis of its own making.
California’s problem is simple:
- When the money comes in, politicians spend it.
- When the money slows down, they spend even more.
While California sinks deeper into red ink, fiscally disciplined states across the country are announcing surpluses, refunding taxpayers, or increasing reserves.
- Texas, Florida and North Carolina all projected strong surpluses or cash cushions.
- States with lower taxes and leaner budgets like Utah, Tennessee and Idaho continue to exceed revenue expectations.
In other words, the states that California politicians love to criticize are the ones balancing their checkbooks.