California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton told Newsmax that California's budget problems are self-inflicted and Democratic leadership is to blame for spending billions on services for illegal immigrants while proposing new taxes on the wealthy.
Speaking on "The Count," Hilton said California's fiscal situation deteriorates as lawmakers increase spending.
"It gets worse the more they spend, the worse it gets," he said, pointing specifically to state-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants.
Hilton cited an estimated $13 billion California is spending this year to provide free healthcare to people in the country illegally, arguing that the expense undercuts claims that the state lacks money for core services.
"They're open about it," he said. "Look at the $13 billion they're spending this year on free healthcare for illegal immigrants."
At the same time, Hilton criticized proposals from Democratic leaders to impose new wealth or "billionaire" taxes, which supporters say are needed to shore up state finances.
"What's the rationale for this wealth tax, this billionaire tax that they're talking about?" he asked. "We don't have enough money to pay for healthcare. Well, you would have enough money if you weren't handing out $13 billion to illegal immigrants who shouldn't be here in the first place."
Hilton called the state's fiscal priorities "totally insane" and said voters are fed up.
"Californians are sick of the whole thing," he said, adding that he believes voters will remove Democratic leadership from office this year.
The Republican candidate also took aim at Gov. Gavin Newsom following the governor's state of the state address earlier this week.
Newsom touted California as a "blueprint for the nation," highlighting economic growth, climate policies and progressive social programs.
Hilton dismissed that assessment outright.
"It's only a blueprint in terms of what not to do," he said, arguing that Newsom's record makes him unviable as a national candidate.
"That's why there is no chance he'll be president, because his record is a total disaster."
Newsom has previously defended state-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants as a public health necessity and has argued that progressive tax policies are essential to maintaining services in the nation's most populous state. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hilton's remarks.
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Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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