When people talk about politics in the California Legislature, it usually turns into party arguments — Democrat vs. Republican, left vs. right. Cable news loves that. It’s loud, dramatic and easy to follow.
But for most people living in California, that’s not the real issue.
The real issue is much simpler:
What are you paying … and what are you getting back? That’s what balance actually means.
Right now, Sacramento isn’t operating with much political balance. One party holds a supermajority. Translation: They can pass budgets, push policies and move legislation forward with very little resistance.
Efficient? Sure. Balanced? That’s a different conversation.
Is this hurting Californians? Does it mean fewer internal checks, less pushback and less negotiation? And when that happens, the responsibility shifts to you — the taxpayer — to decide if what’s happening is fair. Are your Assembly members really fighting back for you … or just sending nicely worded newsletters?
Who is being served? There are people in California who clearly benefit from the current system:
• Government employees and public-sector unions.
• Individuals receiving state-funded assistance.
• Large programs tied to housing, health care and climate initiatives.
For those groups, the system is working. They see direct benefits. They feel the impact. No mystery there. But that’s only one side of the equation.
Who is carrying the load?
If you’re a working Californian who doesn’t qualify for assistance, you’re likely on the other side:
• Higher income taxes.
• Some of the highest gas taxes in the country (you feel that every fill-up).
• Rising costs tied to regulations.
• Increased rent, food and everyday expenses.
You may not receive direct benefits — but you’re definitely participating. Look at your bank account.
That’s where people start asking questions. Billions in fraud haven’t gone unnoticed … even if sometimes it feels like they have.
Is this fair?
California is one of the most expensive states to live in. That’s not an opinion — it’s a monthly reminder. The argument from Sacramento is that high taxes fund important services — housing, health care, environmental protections and public safety.
And on paper, that sounds great. But here’s where the disconnect happens: People are paying more every year, but many don’t feel like they’re getting more in return. When the cost keeps going up, but everyday life doesn’t get easier, people start to question where the money is actually going.
“It’s complicated” starts to sound less like an explanation and more like a strategy.
What happens when businesses leave? This isn’t just theory — it’s already happening. Over the past several years, major companies have decided to move operations out of California. And when businesses leave, jobs go with them.
Tesla moved its headquarters to Texas. Oracle relocated its headquarters to Texas. Hewlett Packard Enterprise moved to Texas. Chevron announced plans to relocate its headquarters. Charles Schwab shifted its base to Texas.
These aren’t small companies. These are major employers — bringing thousands of jobs and long-term economic stability.
And it’s not just large corporations. Small and mid-sized businesses are leaving too — quietly.
High taxes. Heavy regulations. Rising labor costs. Expensive real estate. For many, the math simply stops working.
When a business leaves: Jobs leave. Local spending drops. Tax revenue declines.
It creates a ripple effect. And no, a, “We’re open for business” press release doesn’t usually fix that.
Where is the accountability?
The Palisades and Eaton fires leave the public wondering, “What happened to my government protecting me?” What happened to homelessness being solved over 10 years ago — something Gavin Newsom said he would solve. Did he in fact solve that ongoing crisis or did it blow up even larger?
Is your money being used wisely? The honest answer is: rarely yes, most times no.
There are programs that work — in what way exactly? Easy to fraudulently manipulate?
But there are also programs that continue year after year with no clear results. Billions get spent, and the outcomes are mysteriously absent. That’s where trust starts to break down.
Because people aren’t just asking if money is being spent — they’re asking if it’s being spent effectively and how did it benefit me?
And “trust us” only works for so long. What about transparency? Technically, California is transparent. Budgets are public. Meetings are public. But let’s be real. Most people don’t have time to dig through hundreds of pages of budget documents. Most decisions are already made by the time the public fully understands them.
So transparency exists — but clarity doesn’t. And that leads to one simple question: Do you know where your money is going?
For most people, the answer is no. So what happens if this continues? If you’re seeing higher taxes every year, higher cost of living, no clear improvement in your daily life …
Then you have to start thinking about your next move. You can stay and adapt (good luck). You can get involved (not likely).
Or you can leave — and many already are. That’s not speculation. That’s reality.
The bottom line: Sacramento is running a system that redistributes resources. Some people benefit directly. While you fund it.
That’s how it works.
Is it working for you? Has it ever worked for you? Are you seeing the value in what you’re paying? Do you feel like the burden is fair?
If the answer isn’t clear, then it’s time to start paying closer attention. Legislators and lobbyists go hand in hand in Sacramento. Does the average person really know what they are about?
It’s about your money. Your future. And whether the system you’re funding is actually working in your favor. What’s your breaking point, and in what other state can you expect a better, more affordable life?
Patrick Lee Gipson is a Santa Clarita resident and former deputy sheriff. “Right Here, Right Now” appears Saturdays and rotates among local Republicans.
