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    These charts show how California’s budget has skyrocketed
    • February 27, 2026

    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

     Orange County Register 

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