California has been ranked dead last in opportunity among U.S. states — driven primarily by its sky-high cost of living — according to a ranking released by U.S. News and World Report. While California ranked in the middle among states for economic opportunity and even income inequality, the state’s exorbitant cost of living brought its overall score to last place.
A state fiscal crisis, high food and gasoline prices, and a run-away real estate and rental market have left the state unaffordable for many residents. Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA)’s 2024-25 budget, unveiled last week, outlines drastic spending cuts and other measures to address a massive $44.9 billion deficit. Just two years ago, California boasted a $97.5 billion budget surplus — fueled by a spike in revenues during a post-pandemic economic boom — however, mandated spending on progressive causes like climate change saw the surplus drained quickly.
Gov. Newsom faces a recall effort by voters angry over the state’s crippling fiscal crisis and the Democrat Governor’s inability to reign in skyrocketing housing costs. The National Pulse reported in February that the group Rescue California delivered recall papers to the Governor’s office. They must gather over 1.38 million signatures to push the recall question to a ballot vote.
“California was the birthplace for opportunity where our ancestors came to seek a better life and pursue the California Dream,” State Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) said in a recent interview. He continued: “Housing, electricity, and gas continue to rise, and [Democrats’] solution is to tax, regulate, and mandate no matter the outcome.”
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