CA Dem: Party Wasting Money

A Democratic legislator in ⁤California calls out ‍his own party’s⁢ spending

“As many Californians know, we’ve⁢ already spent billions of ⁣dollars on the same problems—with very little to show for it,” state‌ senator Steve Glazer wrote in a Los Angeles⁣ Times op-ed earlier this⁢ month. “Our failures are evidence that good ​intentions and lots ​of money ⁣are not enough⁣ to fix what ails the Golden State.”

Glazer voted for California’s $310 billion annual budget bill, signed ‌into law ‍by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) ⁤last month. He supports initiatives funded by the bill but emphasizes the need for better methods ⁢to evaluate whether the substantial funds are truly making a positive impact on education, homelessness, and mental health services in the state.

These concerns arise⁢ as California continues to experience an exodus of residents and businesses to other states, coupled with escalating crime rates and a growing homelessness crisis. According to the ⁣ California Globe, over 350 companies⁣ have left California between 2018 and 2021. Additionally, San Francisco witnessed ‍a consecutive ​rise in homicides for the ‌fourth year​ in a⁣ row, ⁢as reported⁣ by the SF Chronicle. Furthermore, ‌the New York Post reveals that over half‌ a million‌ residents fled California in the two years following‍ the start of the pandemic.

Glazer specifically highlights spending on​ affordable housing, public transit,⁢ and mental health services, ⁤acknowledging their importance⁤ but expressing concern over the lack of mechanisms for⁤ legislators ⁢to assess the effectiveness of these investments.

“To make our⁤ progressive beliefs mean anything, the Legislature must⁤ ensure that the ⁣money ‌we spend ⁤is ​actually improving the lives of the ‍people we say⁣ we are committed to helping,” Glazer warns.