With California facing a $12 billion budget deficit, state lawmakers are under fire for funneling millions of taxpayer dollars into local projects critics say are designed to secure votes ahead of reelection campaigns.
According to CalMatters, reported on November 7th, the legislature inserted $415 million in “pork-barrel” funding into this year’s state budget—projects primarily intended to win favor in home districts rather than serve statewide needs. The outlet noted that “many lawmakers are focusing more on district projects that help their reelection than on public benefit.”
One budget bill alone contained 100 separate local earmarks, many structured to benefit select interest groups or communities instead of the state at large. Even legislators representing higher-income districts approved millions for low-priority initiatives such as museum construction, park upgrades, and trail renovations.
Examples include $5 million for an LGBTQ+ performance venue in San Francisco, $2.5 million for a private school in Southern California, and $250,000 for a private animal rescue center on the northern coast.
Lawmakers also redirected $250 million from Proposition 4, a $10 billion climate bond approved to support environmental restoration and climate resilience. The funds were instead channeled toward district-specific projects, prompting concerns over misuse of voter-backed funds.
Political influence appeared to play a key role in how the money was distributed. State Senate Democratic leader Mike McGuire (District 2) earmarked nearly $100 million across roughly 20 projects, including $50 million to construct a 320-mile Redwood hiking trail. McGuire is reportedly preparing to run for U.S. Congress.
Even within the legislature, the practice has drawn internal criticism. State Senator Christopher Cabaldon (District 3, Democrat), a member of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, warned that “funds for specific regions are being double-counted across climate bonds, the general fund, Medi-Cal, education, and transportation,” cautioning that such allocations could destabilize the state’s fiscal balance.
As the state cuts spending on welfare, education, and other essential programs to curb the deficit, lawmakers’ scramble for local projects is facing growing backlash. Experts say using taxpayer dollars to manage voter support “ultimately worsens California’s financial health.”
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
