I'm surprised to see this in the WAPO. California is an example of how progressives ruin states.

At a time when President Donald Trump and Republicans are faring poorly in most polls, the story has been different in California. Republican Steve Hilton finished ahead of many high-spending Democrats in the governor’s race to advance to the November election facing Democrat Xavier Becerra. In Los Angeles, an overwhelmingly Democratic city, Spencer Pratt, a Republican who ran as an independent and is a former reality television personality, looked as if he might make the mayoral general election before finishing third.

Consider the fiscal record. Since 2000, California’s population has grown by roughly 15 percent. But the state’s general expenditures have grown more than 200 percent, from $78 billion to about $248 billion. General spending per person has risen from about $2,300 to about $6,300. The number of state employees has grown by more than 50 percent by one count. Does anyone think that California’s government and its benefits have gotten 200 percent better in the last 25 years?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/06/13/how-california-became-case-study-failed-governance/?utm_campaign=wp_opinions&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawSfgqNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjZmFoV01wTzZWMTR2b0Myc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiFVsxaZiQawFY7Aoab0GQUehWP7lbYyZHek-rlehfsxYC9cABLGvtKoAtKO_aem_H-iRoknxMqAnrZKue7xFlg

I went back recently (April) to visit my entrenched young adult children. I had to remind my young Thai wife in her open criticism of the Homeless , who are prevalent everywhere ,some either begging or begging while doing a drug nod in the meridian, not to point her finger.

That being said systemic progressive initiatives cut deep into their budget!

A article from 2024: Since 2019, California has spent about $24 billion on homelessness, but in this five-year period, homelessness increased by about 30,000, to more than 181,000

https://www.hoover.org/research/despite-california-spending-24-billion-it-2019-homelessness-increased-what-happened

Edited June 17Jun 17 by riclag

3 hours ago, riclag said:

I went back recently (April) to visit my entrenched young adult children. I had to remind my young Thai wife in her open criticism of the Homeless , who are prevalent everywhere ,some either begging or begging while doing a drug nod in the meridian, not to point her finger.

That being said systemic progressive initiatives cut deep into their budget!

A article from 2024: Since 2019, California has spent about $24 billion on homelessness, but in this five-year period, homelessness increased by about 30,000, to more than 181,000

https://www.hoover.org/research/despite-california-spending-24-billion-it-2019-homelessness-increased-what-happened

Check out this Reason short on the homeless grift.

1 hour ago, TedG said:

Check out this Reason short on the homeless grift.

https://youtube.com/shorts/DPLNg07si3c?si=L9-f-IOmmW5ZYRZp

Big money in the State homeless cause , where massive taxpayer money flows to nonprofits/developers with little accountability, and homelessness persists while people profit.

When you have politicians without creativity who face budget shortfalls, their go-to reflex is to raise taxes and as a result thousands of companies have left the state seeking greener pasture.

They have to start cutting back on health care for foreign nationals who have no immigration status . Pressure from the Feds to tighten up medicare funding and higher cost have led California to rethink their systemic funding for people that aren't citizens.

" A trio of states with Democratic governors viewed as potential 2028 presidential candidates have taken steps in recent weeks to freeze or cut government-funded health care coverage for undocumented immigrants".

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/democratic-governors-roll-back-health-care-undocumented-immigrants-rcna211794

Did'ja notice how WAPO waited until after the election?

That would have been handy info for the voters to have before they bumped Pratt in the primary. (If they actually did... I think it's all the homeless voters they paid for mail-ins. Sadly, it'll be years before we really know)

Go woke go broke.

The trouble with socialism is eventually you run out of other people's money.

California liberals deserve this. I hope it gets worse for them.

I grew up in LA and have seen the slow destruction of my City and the Sate. I worked for the City for 5 years and can confirm that the City employees are some of the laziest people God ever created. A Thai grandma pushing a cart 12 hours a day works harder than 100 city employees.

The State and Cities have a massive pension system, that bleeds the tax revenue that we paid. So, we are not getting any ROI for the tax we pay.

All of this is well known by the media, but they hide that information, because they are in bed with the same Government leaders.

What is very sad to me, is that if a reasonable person, who is educated and can put their cell phone down for 72 hours, go to a library of on the net, and then read up on the root cause, they will be shocked and call for a revolution, but alas, that will never happen.

Look up the term: Root Cause Analysis.....to understand my point.

4 hours ago, impulse said:

Did'ja notice how WAPO waited until after the election?

That would have been handy info for the voters to have before they bumped Pratt in the primary. (If they actually did... I think it's all the homeless voters they paid for mail-ins. Sadly, it'll be years before we really know)

Perhaps. But getting Hilton into the final as a gubernatorial candidate is more important than Pratt IMHO. THe governor has more power and more impact on the state. Although even if he wins, Hilton will have to contend with a very Democratic legislature who may not be inclined to help him in implementing his ideas.

I always hear folks say, "California is the fourth biggest economy in the world", as if that is some kind of flex. The real question to ask is this, "is it BECAUSE of the government there, or IN SPITE OF..."

Just look at the high speed rail to nowhere for a sample.

Perhaps. But getting Hilton into the final as a gubernatorial candidate is more important than Pratt IMHO. THe governor has more power and more impact on the state. Although even if he wins, Hilton will have to contend with a very Democratic legislature who may not be inclined to help him in implementing his ideas.

True, but I suspect they held off in fear of giving Hilton any kind of boost in the primary.

I suspect the Dems are going to look at the foolishness of the California Jungle Primary system. If they run (for example) 100 Dem candidates against 2 Repubs, it only stands to reason that they're going to dilute the Dem votes.

TBH, I'm surprised the MSM even call it a Jungle Primary, because that sounds racist, don't you know...

Edited June 18Jun 18 by impulse

16 hours ago, TedG said:

I'm surprised to see this in the WAPO. California is an example of how progressives ruin states.

At a time when President Donald Trump and Republicans are faring poorly in most polls, the story has been different in California. Republican Steve Hilton finished ahead of many high-spending Democrats in the governor’s race to advance to the November election facing Democrat Xavier Becerra. In Los Angeles, an overwhelmingly Democratic city, Spencer Pratt, a Republican who ran as an independent and is a former reality television personality, looked as if he might make the mayoral general election before finishing third.

Consider the fiscal record. Since 2000, California’s population has grown by roughly 15 percent. But the state’s general expenditures have grown more than 200 percent, from $78 billion to about $248 billion. General spending per person has risen from about $2,300 to about $6,300. The number of state employees has grown by more than 50 percent by one count. Does anyone think that California’s government and its benefits have gotten 200 percent better in the last 25 years?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/06/13/how-california-became-case-study-failed-governance/?utm_campaign=wp_opinions&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawSfgqNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjZmFoV01wTzZWMTR2b0Myc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiFVsxaZiQawFY7Aoab0GQUehWP7lbYyZHek-rlehfsxYC9cABLGvtKoAtKO_aem_H-iRoknxMqAnrZKue7xFlg

It's a lot.

However, it should be noticed that GDP per capita increased by 174% during this period of time. That's the same rate as the increase of general expenses per capita.

It's a lot.

However, it should be noticed that GDP per capita increased by 174% during this period of time. That's the same rate as the increase of general expenses per capita.

That's a statistic that only a lefty could brag on. They should be taxed on the level of services they receive, not just because they make more money.

What's really happening is that a few in Silicon Valley are getting uber-rich (skewing the averages), the middle class is getting hollowed out and leaving for Texas and the freeloaders and illegals are streaming in for their generous bennies.

I grew up in LA and have seen the slow destruction of my City and the Sate. I worked for the City for 5 years and can confirm that the City employees are some of the laziest people God ever created. A Thai grandma pushing a cart 12 hours a day works harder than 100 city employees.

Not California, but I spent a summer in college working in the AFSCME Union (Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) in New England. That was an eye opener. They used to take our tools away from us if we were working too fast.

The first page stat showing that CA population grew 15% while state employees grew by 50% is the giveaway. It's a jobs program for the otherwise unemployable. But they have to vote Dem to perpetuate the gravy train.

9 minutes ago, impulse said:

Not California, but I spent a summer in college working in the AFSCME Union (Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) in New England. That was an eye opener. They used to take our tools away from us if we were working too fast.

The first page stat showing that CA population grew 15% while state employees grew by 50% is the giveaway. It's a jobs program for the otherwise unemployable. But they have to vote Dem to perpetuate the gravy train.

The number of private sector employees increased at around the same pace (55%) during this period of time. 😃

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SMS06000000500000001

Edited June 18Jun 18 by candide

The number of private se ctor employees increased at around the same pace (55%) during the same period of time.

That's a neat trick. The population grew by 15% and employment grew by 50-55%.

Pardon me if I'm skeptical.

42 minutes ago, impulse said:

That's a neat trick. The population grew by 15% and employment grew by 50-55%.

Pardon me if I'm skeptical.

42 minutes ago, impulse said:

That's a neat trick. The population grew by 15% and employment grew by 50-55%.

Pardon me if I'm skeptical.

No. It's just that comparing only with population growth is not really relevant.

Numbers are from the Fred, source linked.

1 hour ago, impulse said:

Not California, but I spent a summer in college working in the AFSCME Union (Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) in New England. That was an eye opener. They used to take our tools away from us if we were working too fast.

The first page stat showing that CA population grew 15% while state employees grew by 50% is the giveaway. It's a jobs program for the otherwise unemployable. But they have to vote Dem to perpetuate the gravy train.

According to Fred numbers, the increase in government jobs in California is 28%, not 50%. 😃

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SMU06000009000000001A

Huh, failed governance you say? This comprehensive study, looking at 28 different economic indicators, puts CA's economy 4th in the US.

The study drew on data from a range of sources, including the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

'Every US state's economy, ranked from worst to best'

https://www.businessinsider.com/us-state-economies-ranked-study-2026-6#4-california-48

"Economic activity was measured by factors including the state's change in GDP from 2024 to 2025, its share of fast-growing companies, and exports per capita. Economic health included the state's unemployment rate, foreclosure rate, and fiscal health. Innovation potential was measured by the share of jobs in high-tech industries, entrepreneurial activity, and other indicators. WalletHub then calculated each state's weighted average across the three dimensions, which provided the basis for its overall ranking."

BTW, wanna say hi to your likely next president?

4 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

Huh, failed governance you say? This comprehensive study, looking at 28 different economic indicators, puts CA's economy 4th in the US.

The study drew on data from a range of sources, including the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

'Every US state's economy, ranked from worst to best'

https://www.businessinsider.com/us-state-economies-ranked-study-2026-6#4-california-48

"Economic activity was measured by factors including the state's change in GDP from 2024 to 2025, its share of fast-growing companies, and exports per capita. Economic health included the state's unemployment rate, foreclosure rate, and fiscal health. Innovation potential was measured by the share of jobs in high-tech industries, entrepreneurial activity, and other indicators. WalletHub then calculated each state's weighted average across the three dimensions, which provided the basis for its overall ranking."

BTW, wanna say hi to your likely next president?

You glossed over that, while economic activity is ranked #2, economic health is ranked #49. As you said, economic health includes unemployment and fiscal health. Rather important factors.

7 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

You glossed over that, while economic activity is ranked #2, economic health is ranked #49. As you said, economic health includes unemployment and fiscal health. Rather important factors.

I didn't gloss over anything, I just presented the study as is. Certainly California has got some tough economic and social challenges, but basically calling it a failed state is not anywhere near reality.

Edited June 18Jun 18 by BLMFem

1 hour ago, BLMFem said:

I didn't gloss over anything, I just presented the study as is. Certainly California has got some tough economic and social challenges, but basically calling it a failed state is not anywhere near reality.

I never called it "failed". Given the geography, industry etc it would take a great effort to make California "fail".

But the steady outflow of companies and people cannot be ignored. And the situation is not improving. Tax policy and poor local governance is encouraging an outflow of the most productive and wealthy citizens.

20 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

I never called it "failed". Given the geography, industry etc it would take a great effort to make California "fail".

But the steady outflow of companies and people cannot be ignored. And the situation is not improving. Tax policy and poor local governance is encouraging an outflow of the most productive and wealthy citizens.

"I never called it "failed"."

I was referring to the OP.

48 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

"I never called it "failed"."

I was referring to the OP.

Fair enough. But to be clear, it refers to the governance of the state as failed, not the state itself. Much like saying that Cali is wealthy in spite of the government, not because of it.

11 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

Fair enough. But to be clear, it refers to the governance of the state as failed, not the state itself. Much like saying that Cali is wealthy in spite of the government, not because of it.

This is the first sentence in the OP:

"I'm surprised to see this in the WAPO. California is an example of how progressives ruin states."

It's not a stretch to say the OP "basically calling it a failed state".

Moving on. As a Canadian, you must be over the moon with what's going on in your country these days. Your PM is a globally highly respected leader who seems to be making great deals left, right and centre.

And your country might even become a member of the most sought after "club" in the world, the European Union. Well played!

2 hours ago, BLMFem said:

I didn't gloss over anything, I just presented the study as is. Certainly California has got some tough economic and social challenges, but basically calling it a failed state is not anywhere near reality.

Fareed Zakaria called it failed governance. California is no longer the Golden State thanks to the progressives in power.

8 hours ago, Taboo2 said:

The State and Cities have a massive pension system, that bleeds the tax revenue that we paid. So, we are not getting any ROI for the tax we pay.

It's the doom loop of unions supporting Democrats in exchange for huge pension contracts. This is being played out in other big blue states. In the end, the taxpayer gets screwed.

5 minutes ago, TedG said:

Fareed Zakaria called it failed governance. California is no longer the Golden State thanks to the progressives in power.

"Fareed Zakaria called it failed governance."

Well, look at you quoting Fareed Zakaria like a complete lefy pro!😆

"California is no longer the Golden State thanks to the progressives in power."

Okay, and who is to blame for the economic quagmire the bottom (and overwhelmingly red) states on the list are in then?

Happenstance, deep state, Hunter Biden?

19 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

This is the first sentence in the OP:

"I'm surprised to see this in the WAPO. California is an example of how progressives ruin states."

It's not a stretch to say the OP "basically calling it a failed state".

Moving on. As a Canadian, you must be over the moon with what's going on in your country these days. Your PM is a globally highly respected leader who seems to be making great deals left, right and centre.

And your country might even become a member of the most sought after "club" in the world, the European Union. Well played!

PM Carney has done better than I expected at the time of the election. He has returned to his roots , so to speak, and left behind the worst of the Euro-elite snobbery and arrogance. I wouldn't have voted for him, but whatever happens, he IS my Prime Minister and I wish him success.

I only with my cousins to the south could have the same attitude. We all lose elections and need to accept the results with a modicum of grace and dignity.

As for joining the EU? Jesus, no. Last thing we need to do is be tied to Europe. Asia is the future.

6 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

"Fareed Zakaria called it failed governance."

Well, look at you quoting Fareed Zakaria like a complete lefy pro!😆

"California is no longer the Golden State thanks to the progressives in power."

Okay, and who is to blame for the economic quagmire the bottom (and overwhelmingly red) states on the list are in then?

Happenstance, deep state, Hunter Biden?

Let’s talk about how progressives ruin everything they touch.