California’s spending issues
A look at the Golden State’s ballooning budget since 1976.
Employees per 1,000 population
- In 1975 the state had 9.6 employees per 1,000 people.
- In 1985 it had 8.5 employees per 1,000 people.
- In 2010 it reached 10 employees per 1,000 people.
- In 2026 it is 12.2 employees per 1,000 people.
Spending per capita
- $531.71 in 1975
- $8,809 in 2026
Inflation note: $531 in 1975 would be worth about $3,314 today.
Population
- 21.5 million in 1975
- 35 million in 2003
- 39.6 million in 2026
From 2003 to 2026, the state’s population increased by 4.9 million people but the budget tripled
A breakdown of the chart below:
Deficits not going away
According to the Legislation Analyst’s Office, a nonpartisan fiscal policy advisor, chronic multiyear budget deficits remain. For the fourth year in a row, they are forecasting multiyear budget shortfalls. Much of the difference is attributable to lower revenue estimates.
You can read the whole LAO report here.
Sources: Schedule 6 at 2026-27 governor’s budget summary of state population, employees, and expenditures, Wallethub.com, Legislation Analyst’s Office