State Senator Roger Niello, District 6 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Roger Niello, District 6 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
In the past two budget cycles, Governor Newsom has exhausted a $100 billion surplus, leading to a budget deficit of $73 billion. In an attempt to address this financial shortfall, the governor's proposal for balancing the state’s budget primarily involves cash transfers and other fiscal strategies. Critics argue that these measures could set California on a path to consistent deficit spending in the future.
California Senate Republicans responded to Newsom’s May Revision with criticism. Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks), Vice Chair of the Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee, expressed his concerns: “At first glance, as I’ve heard kids say these days, the math is not mathing,” he said. “The governor is in denial with these partial and unverified numbers. I was hopeful he would have been more detailed, prudent, and honest with his approach to this deficit.”
Niello also voiced hopes for Newsom's upcoming trip: "When he leaves us behind and travels to the Vatican, hopefully he receives divine guidance to complete his May Revision proposal and provides a reasonable and sustainable budget plan that Californians deserve.”
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) also commented on the timing of Newsom's announcement: “Awfully convenient timing for the governor to dump his bad news about California’s $73 billion budget deficit on a Friday afternoon," Jones said. He also criticized Newsom's planned travel: "Now is not the time for a luxurious European vacation. We need the governor and the legislature to enact quickly a spending plan that addresses Democrats’ years of overspending."
Critics point out that Newsom's proposed budget relies heavily on optimistic revenue projections and continues unsustainable spending patterns established during over a decade of Democratic control.
According to data from the Department of Finance, California's state budget has increased significantly over recent years - from $126 billion in 2011-12 to over $327 billion in 2023-24. This represents an overall budget increase of 159% ($201 billion) in just 12 years, with an average annual increase of 13%.
Per capita spending has also seen a substantial rise, more than doubling from $3,353 in 2011 to $8,363 in 2024.
Alerts Sign-up