Kevin Kiley: “the California State auditor, the nonpartisan official auditor for the State, has just released a report that updates…”

“the California State auditor, the nonpartisan official auditor for the State, has just released a report that updates its assessment of the State's high-risk agencies. The contents of this report are truly stunning--not really that stunning, actually, for those of us who have experienced the California State government at work. Even given our very low expectations, what the auditor has just reported is truly troubling. This comes, by the way, as our State's Governor, Gavin Newsom, has recently boasted that California is the original DOGE. Newsom held out California government as a model of efficient, responsive, and accountable government. Let's juxtapose that very notable statement, very surprising statement, with the clear-eyed fact findings of the State auditor. In this new report, which is issued annually, the auditor identifies high-risk State agencies. What does that mean? It means they pose a substantial risk of serious detriment to the State or its residents. To be considered high risk, an agency must not only exhibit serious waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement but must also have failed to take adequate corrective action. In this new report, the auditor has identified eight separate California agencies as high risk. Four of those eight have joined the club, this dubious distinction, during the Newsom administration, including the newly added Department of Social Services this year.”