California Governor Gavin Newsom is under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption, specifically concerning a $20 million payment of taxpayer funds to a nonprofit run by an executive whose wife serves on the board of a gender equality organization.
The controversy stems from a project called “Golden State Start,” which was introduced as a collaboration with Baby2Baby, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, just in time for Mother’s Day.
This initiative seeks to distribute free diapers to newborns in hospitals throughout California. However, the arrangement has triggered questions regarding how the nonprofits were chosen and their connections to Newsom’s political and personal circles.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton remarked, “When you consider the volume of diapers and the expenditure, it equates to 50 cents each. If you purchased them at Costco, the price would be a hundred times higher.” He added, “But where is that money coming from? Us.”
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the Governor’s wife, co-founded the California Partners Project and played a significant role in facilitating this partnership.
Nora Weinstein, who is also co-CEO of Baby2Baby, is on the board of her nonprofit that focuses on increasing women’s representation in leadership roles. The organization has been active since 2011.
Critics highlight the intertwined nature of state-funded initiatives and affiliated nonprofit networks as a concern. Some argue that rather than taking taxpayer money to create plans that benefit their associates, state officials should simply allow citizens to retain more of their earnings to decide how to spend it.
Patricoff, the other co-CEO, has also drawn criticism, mainly due to her connections, including her marriage to film producer Jamie Patricoff. Her father, Alan Patricoff, is a notable Democratic donor linked to the Clinton-era political network.
The state has pledged around $20 million for this initiative, with $7.4 million already approved, plus an additional $12.5 million proposed for the 2026-2027 budget cycle. This is touted as a significant improvement in diaper access for newborns across California.
The backlash has been rapid and pointed, as many express doubts about both the program’s structure and cost. Various individuals have called out the high expenses, noting that bulk prices in retail are much lower.
Another point of contention is the financial status and political connections of Baby2Baby. Some critics argue that the organization resembles a politically entrenched network rather than a conventional charity, though these allegations remain unverified.
Despite the mounting criticism, Newsom has promoted the Golden State Start initiative as a pioneering child welfare effort, claiming it to be “the first program in the nation to provide free diapers to every newborn born in California.”
