An Inaugural Day that Jumbles Fiscal Stewardship and Costly Promises
In his inaugural address, Governor Gavin Newsom promised his administration would be “prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars.” But he raised challenges to that approach immediately not only in the speech, but also with his first post-inaugural pronouncements on expanding health care programs. In his address, Newsom promised to “launch a Marshall Plan for affordable housing […]
Kid Saves Speech
Gavin Newsom is a smart politician and a compelling performer, but he needs work on speeches. His inaugural was a dud. The main problem: the speech had little shape. It didn’t have a compelling or surprising point that was carried through. Instead, it moved around from topic to topic.
Governor Dad: How Gavin Newsom’s kids are about to shape California
Gov. Gavin Newsom was about half-way through his inaugural address Monday when his 2-year-old son toddled onto the stage, sucking on a green pacifier and gripping his blankie. Newsom, barely missing beat, hoisted the boy onto his hip, kissed him on the cheek and gamely continued delivering his first speech as the 40th governor of […]
Sacramento’s Silliest Subsidy
In December I became eligible for Medicare, the national health insurance program for people aged 65 and older. Medicare is fantastic — and fantastically cheap — insurance. But, believe it or not, if I was a retired California state employee, I would also be entitled to a state-provided health insurance subsidy that this fiscal year will cost the state $2.6 billion — more than […]