Dear Editor,
To the brave firefighters who have battled the recent devastating fires in the Los Angeles area and across California, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your courage and sacrifice in protecting our communities are truly appreciated.
Mr. Hommel, your recent letter regarding California has prompted this response, which aims to address some of the claims made with both empathy and factual data. It is important that we discuss these issues with accuracy so that we are best able to address them.
First, regarding “Calexit,” the suggestion that Governor Newsom is threatening to secede from the United States is inaccurate. The “Calexit” movement represents a small group of activists, and Governor Newsom has never expressed any intention to pursue secession. It’s essential to distinguish these fringe ideas from actual government policy, as it seems this point of contention may be a misrepresentation of the current political landscape.
Regarding your claim of California being an economic “failed state,” this is not supported by the data. California boasts the fifth-largest economy in the world and ranks 4th in the U.S. for per capita GDP, with an approximate per capita GDP of $81,728. These figures demonstrate that California is a significant economic leader.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) State GDP
Source: World Bank GDP Ranking
While homelessness is a serious concern, it is not the highest in the nation on a per capita basis. California ranks around 9th among states, with a rate of 47.4 per 10,000 people as of 2023. States such as Vermont, New York, and Oregon have higher per capita homelessness rates. This indicates that homelessness is a national challenge, and not exclusively a California problem.
Source: HUD 2023 AHAR Report
Mr. Hommel, you also stated that California is heavily reliant on federal funds, however, the data shows that California is a major net contributor to the federal government, often called a “donor state.” It sends more in federal taxes than it receives. In terms of federal funds received compared to what it pays, California is ranked 43rd in the nation meaning it receives less federal spending than the majority of states. This contradicts the idea that the state relies heavily on federal money.
Source: Rockefeller Institute Balance of Payments
Finally, concerning the undocumented population, while California has a large number of undocumented people, it is ranked around 15th in the nation on a per capita basis. Furthermore, these individuals contribute significantly to the state’s economy and labor force and pay an estimated $96.7 billion in taxes nationwide, filling critical roles. They pay taxes but often don’t receive the same access to benefits that these taxes support. Their contributions to our state should be acknowledged.
Source: Pew Research Center on Unauthorized Immigrants
Source: ITEP Undocumented Immigrant Tax Contributions
Mr. Hommel, it is my hope that by presenting this data with a spirit of understanding, we can encourage a more accurate understanding of the complex issues facing California. Misinformation can create unnecessary division. By embracing facts, we can work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.
Michael Johnson
