Florida's chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal, claiming it "lies straight through his teeth" and disrespects taxpayers. Patronis argues that Newsom's policies have led to an exodus of businesses and a surge in crime, fueling the state's budget deficit.
Florida's chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, has lambasted California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed budget, describing it as "the greatest disrespect of taxpayer resources in the history of America." Patronis' scathing remarks stem from Newsom's decision to cut funding for public safety while simultaneously pursuing ambitious climate goals.
Newsom's budget proposal includes significant reductions to trial court operations, the Department of Justice's Division of Law Enforcement, and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. While a Newsom spokesperson initially denied any cuts to law enforcement, an official from the Department of Finance acknowledged a 1.6% reduction in the overall proposed budget for the Department of Justice.
Patronis attributes California's budget deficit to an exodus of businesses due to high crime and Newsom's policies, which he claims have stifled blue-collar businesses and forced middle-class residents to relocate. The Chapman University study cited by Patronis highlights the impact of environmental regulations and soaring home prices on California's economy.
Newsom's proposal also earmarks $1.7 billion for climate goals, including equity programs. Patronis argues that this allocation of funds is inappropriate given the state's financial woes.
Patronis' criticism extends to Newsom's handling of public safety, specifically the proposed cuts to law enforcement. He believes that these cuts will worsen the state's crime problem, leading to a vicious cycle of weaker incarceration and increased crime.
According to the latest crime statistics, San Francisco has experienced a surge in thefts, burglaries, and motor vehicle thefts. The exodus of major retailers from the city has left malls with significant vacancies.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will also face cuts under Newsom's proposal, eliminating 4,600 beds across 13 prisons. Law enforcement training and county probation departments will also see reductions in funding.
While the California State Legislature is pushing back against some of the proposed public safety cuts, Patronis maintains that Newsom is ultimately responsible for the state's financial crisis.
"When you create a safe environment, people want to relocate their businesses," Patronis said. "You created an environment [in California] where … you are defunding the police and defunding law enforcement."
Patronis also expressed concerns about Newsom's potential presidential aspirations, accusing him of lying and having a "deliberate mindset" that would be disastrous for the country's economy.
"I think he would love to be president one day … He could just lie straight through his teeth like nobody I've ever seen on camera," Patronis said.
Patronis contrasts California's financial struggles with the successes of Florida, attributing Florida's surplus to Newsom's policy failures. He has offered incentives to law enforcement officers to relocate to Florida, highlighting the benefits of a safe environment for businesses and residents alike.
