An ‘Oracle of Disaster’ or Just a Governor Doing His Job?
Last month, on December 7, 2024, I reported on what some have labeled Newsom’s “strategic money grab” with an Emergency Proclamation aimed at earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Now, fires have taken center stage. Observers note a pattern: the governor issues proclamations and announcements whenever a high-profile disaster looms, ensuring a flow of federal dollars into California’s coffers.
- Is he taking advantage of tragedies to secure funding?
The stakes are enormous: wildfire recovery often includes up to 45% of costs spent on debris removal alone, according toCalRecycle. That figure can quickly balloon when multiple fires erupt statewide. - Does the public gain or lose from these tactics?
Supporters say the immediate cash infusion saves lives and communities. Critics counter that the open-ended nature of these agreements is fiscally reckless, potentially passing a massive bill to American taxpayers.
Open-Ended Costs and Potential Legal Challenges
From a legal and contractual standpoint, promises of “100% coverage” without specified limits don’t typically withstand intense scrutiny. I’ve seen numerous cases where government entities ended up locked in messy lawsuits due to ambiguous terms or runaway expenses. For instance, one or both parties might later argue there wasn’t a “meeting of the minds” regarding how much money could ultimately be spent.
