Have We Cut State Spending?
Past issues of California Budget Fact Check have explored state revenue growth, state spending trends and the impact of the Governor's proposed budget on education. This week's edition examines whether state government has shrunk since the recession began.
Highlights from this week include how:
- It is a common myth that state spending has been slashed in recent years. While it is true that General Fund spending is down as a result of the recession, overall state spending is actually up sharply, growing by more than $19 billion over the last 4 years.
- Another myth is that state hiring freezes and "golden handshakes" have reduced the number of state employees. In fact, the state has grown its public employee payroll by 20,000 new government workers over the past decade.
- Budget writers manipulate definitions to common words for a whole new meaning - such as when a "cut" doesn't necessarily result in a drop in spending.
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