California governor: $98B surplus backs true pro-life state

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday pledged to use the state’s record-breaking $300 billion budget, including an unprecedented nearly $100 billion surplus, to “future proof” the state from the impacts of a volatile midterm election cycle that he fears will undermine abortion access, gun safety and privacy protections across the country. Ron DeSantis, disputed Newsom’s assertion, arguing that in “an appropriately adjusted format” Florida has fared about as well as California with COVID “but still preserved the personal liberties of its citizens and didn’t destroy a litany of small businesses in the process.” California’s projected $97.5 billion budget surplus is unlike anything seen before at the state level and is fueled by soaring tax revenue. The unceasing flow of tax money prompted California Republicans — who don’t have enough numbers in the state Legislature to have much influence — to complain about high taxes reducing quality of life. “The Governor may not want to acknowledge it, but California is in crisis and his budget is unsustainable.” Newsom said the surging revenues are “a sign of how well a number of people are doing in this economy” and a reflection of the “concentration of wealth and success in the hands of a few.” Roughly half of California’s income tax collections come from the top 1% of earners, who have fared well during the pandemic.