California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Proposed Budget Cuts to Defund The Police Amid Massive Deficit and Rising Crime
In a striking move that has raised eyebrows across the nation, California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new budget proposal that would significantly cut funding for law enforcement as the state grapples with a massive budget deficit. The Democrat governor’s budget, revealed last month, includes a 1.6 percent reduction in the state’s Department of Justice funding amid a shortfall that could be as high as $45 billion.
Governor Newsom’s budget reflects what he calls “difficult decisions” needed to address the state’s financial woes. This includes a $97 million cut to trial court operations, a $10 million reduction in the Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement, and over $80 million slashed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. These cuts come at a time when major national stores and local businesses in California are plagued by rampant theft, with viral videos showcasing large-scale thefts where groups of individuals brazenly loot stores in broad daylight.
Crime statistics reveal that areas like the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles experienced a steady increase in shoplifting between 2021 and 2022. Statewide, shoplifting rates rose during the same period but remained lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. However, commercial burglaries and robberies have become more prevalent in urban counties, compounding the concerns of business owners and residents alike.
The governor’s budget cuts are proposed amidst a backdrop of increasing homelessness and rising violent crime rates. Last year, California saw a 6 percent jump in homelessness, reaching over 180,000 people. Since 2013, this number has surged by 53 percent, making California home to a third of America’s entire homeless population. Additionally, violent crime in the state has jumped by 27 percent between 2013 and 2022, with pickpocketing incidents more than doubling in that time.
California, the nation’s most populous state, is facing a multibillion-dollar shortfall for the second consecutive year. This financial predicament is exacerbated by falling state revenues, rising inflation, and a slowdown in the state’s traditionally robust technology sector. Officially, Newsom has stated the deficit is $27.6 billion. However, when considering previous spending reductions agreed upon in March, the deficit is closer to $45 billion. Furthermore, a recent analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office suggests that the deficit could be even larger when accounting for cuts to public education spending that Newsom has not included.
A spokesperson for Newsom defended the proposed budget cuts, stating: “The budget proposes numerous ways to make government more efficient and reduce costs for taxpayers, including cuts on inmate spending. Since Governor Newsom took office in 2019, the state has made record investments in law enforcement, including $1.1 billion to tackle crime, support police, and hold criminals accountable.”
Despite these cuts, Newsom has not backed away from some of his key policy initiatives, such as free kindergarten for all 4-year-olds and free health insurance for low-income adults regardless of immigration status. However, to balance the budget, he has proposed scaling back other promises. For instance, he suggested stopping state payments for healthcare workers assisting 14,000 disabled immigrants in their homes, which would save $94.7 million. Additionally, he proposed eliminating $550 million intended to help school districts build facilities for expanded kindergarten programs.
Newsom also proposed pausing the expansion of child care support for an additional 146,000 low-income children, capping it at 119,000. Furthermore, he recommended canceling $6.7 billion set aside to boost payments to doctors treating Medicaid patients. Overall, Newsom’s budget outlines $32.8 billion in cuts over two years, including eliminating 10,000 unfilled state jobs and an 8 percent reduction in state operations, which includes measures like eliminating landlines. He assured that there would be no layoffs, furloughs, or salary cuts for the state’s over 221,000 employees.
The size of the deficit and Newsom’s handling of it could significantly impact his national reputation. As a prominent supporter of President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign and a potential future presidential candidate, Newsom’s financial stewardship of California is under intense scrutiny.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsom enjoyed unprecedented budget surpluses exceeding $100 billion, allowing for substantial state spending expansions. However, the recent back-to-back deficits are testing California’s commitment to these increases and posing a significant challenge for a governor with presidential aspirations.
Newsom’s proposed cuts, particularly to law enforcement, come at a critical time for California, where residents and businesses are already feeling the impact of rising crime rates and economic instability. As the state navigates these turbulent times, the effectiveness of Newsom’s budget decisions will likely play a crucial role in shaping his political future.
