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Xavier Becerra inherits Gavin Newsom’s costly legacy — and his first 100 days will be crucial
The opinion piece argues that governor-elect Xavier Becerra must quickly address California’s high living costs, taxes, petrol prices and homelessness, which it presents as problems inherited from Gavin Newsom. It says Becerra has offered little detail on how he would change course, while warning against expanding state-funded healthcare and urging action on issues the author considers more urgent.
The author identifies California’s $20 billion federal unemployment-insurance debt as a priority, saying employers face extra taxes to repay it and that penalties could follow. The piece also criticises the state’s high-speed rail project, calls for cutting or suspending the petrol tax, and urges Becerra to seek federal fire-relief funding. These are the author’s arguments and proposals, rather than neutral findings.
In short
- Becerra faces calls to tackle California’s costs and debts quickly.
- The state owes the federal government $20 billion for unemployment insurance.
- The piece urges action on rail, petrol taxes and fire relief.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A new governor should focus first on costs that affect households and employers, especially the unemployment-insurance debt, petrol prices and the state’s tax burden. Supporters of this approach argue that restraining spending on projects such as high-speed rail and seeking federal fire-relief funds could free resources for more urgent needs, while clear early decisions would show voters how Becerra intends to govern.
The case against
California’s high costs and homelessness have several causes, and cutting taxes or suspending the petrol tax could reduce funding for public services without addressing the underlying pressures. Defenders of continued investment in healthcare, transport and other state programmes could argue that these commitments meet substantial needs and support long-term prosperity, while the unemployment debt and fire recovery require solutions that do not crowd out those aims.
Explained simply
California’s governor is responsible for the state budget, taxes, public services and major infrastructure projects. Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and US health secretary, is set to take over from Gavin Newsom, whose administration has faced debate over housing costs, homelessness and the cost of living.
California’s unemployment insurance system borrowed from the federal government to pay benefits, leaving a debt that the state must repay; employers may face added costs as part of that process. The state is also funding a high-speed rail project and has a petrol tax that helps pay for transport, while federal support can contribute to recovery from major fires. These issues matter because decisions about them affect residents, employers and public spending.