Governor Gavin Newsom is set to deliver his State of the State address to the California State Legislature today, marking his first in-person appearance at the Capitol since 2020.
Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) commented on the governor’s upcoming speech. “While it’s nice to see the Governor back in the Capitol, Californians deserve more than a speech,” said Valladares. “For years, the Governor has been more focused on national politics, social media stunts, and positioning himself for higher office than addressing the serious challenges facing families here at home.”
Valladares pointed out that under Newsom’s leadership, California has shifted from a $98 billion budget surplus to an $18 billion deficit. She suggested that instead of accepting responsibility, Newsom may use his address to shift blame and provide excuses without addressing unmet promises and underperforming programs.
Among her concerns, Valladares highlighted nearly $40 billion spent on homelessness over six years while conditions have reportedly worsened across California. She also noted that Newsom had pledged to build 3.5 million homes by 2025 but that housing construction has declined, further impacting affordability. The median home price in California is now approaching $900,000, making homeownership less attainable for many residents.
Gas prices remain another point of contention; Californians pay some of the highest rates nationally as refinery closures and policy decisions threaten further increases. Additionally, Valladares criticized what she described as “soft-on-crime” policies. Despite voters approving Proposition 36 with nearly 70% support, she said the measure remains underfunded by the governor’s administration.
“Californians are paying the price for failed leadership – through higher costs, wasted tax dollars, and policies that simply don’t work,” Valladares added. “It’s no surprise that record numbers of Californians are leaving the state. This is what happens when governing takes a back seat to political ambition.”
“As the Governor prepares to ask voters for a promotion,” Valladares concluded. “I hope the rest of the country is paying close attention to the real state of the state, and the record of broken promises and failed leadership Californians have been living with every day.”