Gavin Newsom, a few months prior to officially starting his term as governor, proposed a rather controversial idea to honor California’s living former governors. This initiative has not sat well with several members of his own Democratic party.
The proposal, which suggests allocating $20 million of taxpayer money to establish a “governor’s legacy” fund, has sparked outrage as California grapples with significant budget deficits, soaring gas and healthcare prices, along with a severe homelessness situation. Democratic Senator Christopher Cabaldon, who has served under all five current governors, expressed his frustration, stating, “This is not the time to celebrate traditions or build banquet halls.”
This legacy fund is part of Newsom’s $349.9 billion final budget, indicating that there might be financial resources available to honor him after he leaves office in January.
Newsom’s final budget reflects a $150 billion increase compared to the one he took over in 2019.
During a recent committee meeting, Senator Caroline Menjivar criticized the notion, calling it “ridiculous.” She emphasized her focus on health services rather than honoring any governor, mentioning, “I care about seniors having health insurance.”
On the Republican side, gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton was taken aback by the proposal, referring to it as a “vanity project.” He questioned how long the governor would remain disconnected from the realities faced by Californians, particularly with high taxation and extravagant spending.
Initially, Newsom’s office refrained from commenting on the $20 million fund, deferring questions to the Treasury Department. A spokesperson mentioned that “the details of this proposal have not yet been finalized.” However, when pressed for clarity, a representative from Newsom’s office specified that the funding does not extend to the current governor, and the intricacies are still being discussed with the Legislature.
This new fund aims to acknowledge living governors from both political parties and highlight their significant contributions to California. Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both alive, would presumably be included in this recognition.
Interestingly, Newsom has a history of self-honor. A bronze bust of him was placed at City Hall in June 2018, shortly before he became governor, funded by private donations from businesses connected to him. The bust features him in an open-collared shirt, alongside a quote emphasizing the importance of love.
This latest proposal lacks clarity; it merely suggests a $20 million allocation without specifying the projects it aims to fund. Taxpayers are left wondering how this money will honor still-active former governors like Pete Wilson, Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jerry Brown.
The ambiguity surrounding the proposal has led some Democratic senators to mock Newsom publicly, especially given the state’s ongoing financial challenges. Senator Cabaldon, for instance, compared the vague proposal to lavish renovations of a White House ballroom, insisting there’s no clear intent or purpose.
Senator Laura Smallwood-Cuevas raised further questions about whether Californians would prioritize such funding when essential community needs remain unmet. She also suggested a broader representation of California’s political history, criticizing the focus on specific leaders.
Republican Senator Suzette Martinez-Validares voiced disapproval as well, pointing out the exhaustion felt by Californians due to rising living costs while Newsom pushes for funds to celebrate a living politician. “Only in Sacramento,” she remarked.
California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst has also suggested rejecting Newsom’s proposal, emphasizing the importance of avoiding new discretionary spending despite an improved budget outlook for the year. Meanwhile, Newsom’s critics express skepticism regarding his intentions to redirect funds to support future governance.
