California faces a massive deficit, and Newsom suggests cutting funding for police, prisons, and public safety.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., has proposed cutting budgets for public safety, including prisons and law enforcement, as the state faces a severe deficit and intensifies its efforts to address climate change with a focus on equity.

The California Democrat's proposed budget, released in May, acknowledges that "tough choices" must be made to address the projected $27.6 billion deficit, which is expected to persist in the future. The budget includes reductions of $97 million to trial court operations, $10 million to the Department of Justice's Division of Law Enforcement, and over $80 million to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

A spokesperson for Newsom initially stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that there were no reductions in law enforcement funding.

The budget suggests several methods to enhance government efficiency and lower expenses for taxpayers, including reductions in inmate spending. Since Governor Newsom assumed office in 2019, the state has made unprecedented investments in law enforcement, including $1.1 billion to combat crime, aid police, and ensure criminals are held responsible.

The Department of Justice's proposed budget was reduced by 1.6% as acknowledged by an official from the Department of Finance.

"Florida's chief financial officer, Jimmy T. Patronis, stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that California's current situation is the greatest disrespect of taxpayer resources in American history. He explained that the state is in a panic, experiencing a free fall, and is desperately searching for funds to cover its enormous budget deficit."

An exodus from California has contributed to the budget deficit, as the Golden State had the largest net loss of one-way movers, according to a United Van Lines study published earlier this year.

The study published in April by Chapman University found that California's green energy policies have caused blue-collar businesses to experience stagnation and decline. Additionally, the study revealed that soaring home prices in California, which are being driven by environmental regulations, are causing historically White middle class people to leave the state.

Newsom suggested diverting funds from the general budget to finance climate objectives, specifically those pertaining to "equity initiatives."

Florida has had budget surpluses, while California's deficit is partly due to businesses leaving due to high crime. Newsom's plan to reduce public safety funds will only worsen the situation, according to Patronis.

"The weaker prison system will lead to weaker incarceration, as has been the narrative in California, where San Francisco has become the poster child for businesses leaving a once-thriving city."

According to the latest available crime stats, there have been a total of 14,846 crimes in San Francisco so far this year, including 8,686 thefts, 1,962 burglaries, and 2,298 motor vehicle thefts.

In 2024, major retailers such as The North Face and Macy's closed their stores at the San Francisco Centre, leaving malls with major vacancies. This trend of major stores fleeing Northern California has continued, with Aldo, J.Crew, Madewell, and Zara also announcing store closures in the city.

This year's first quarter saw a decrease in violent and property crime compared to the same period last year, according to the governor's office.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will lose $80 million, resulting in the elimination of 4,600 beds in 13 prisons. Additionally, Newsom proposed cutting law enforcement training and county probation departments by $4.4 million.

The DOJ, Department of Finance deputy director for external affairs H.D. Palmer informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the California State Legislature is opposing certain proposed cuts to public safety, specifically a $15 million reduction.

Palmer stated that the proposed cuts are unassigned reductions, leaving it to the department to decide on implementation methods.

The budget, if approved by the legislature by June 15, would take effect in July.

Newsom's failures as governor contributed to Florida's financial success, according to Patronis.

"Gavin Newsom is the one you must hold accountable," he stated. "People are drawn to relocate their businesses when they establish a secure environment."

"In California, you created an environment where you are defunding the police and law enforcement. In contrast, in Florida, we have taken advantage of their poor governance by offering incentive bonuses, recruiting law enforcement officers with a $5,000 recruitment bonus, and getting officers from all 50 states."

Patronis also worried about Newsom's future ambitions.

"I believe he would relish the opportunity to be president someday ... He could effortlessly deceive with a straight face, unlike anyone I've ever witnessed on camera," he stated. "I would be horrified if someone with that kind of calculated mindset were to lead our country's economy."

Planet Chronicle' Hannah Panreck and Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.