California continues to reap the consequences of disastrous left-wing policy decisions, but it’s hard to feel bad for voters who keep affirming Democratic control.
In April, the minimum wage for employees of fast food chains with more than 60 locations increased to $20 per hour. Of course, this has resulted in job losses, reduced hours, and food becoming more expensive. Blaze Pizza announced it is moving its headquarters from California to Georgia, Pizza Hut has laid off 1,200 delivery drivers, and In-N-Out was forced to raise its prices. One chain, Rubio’s Coastal Grill, said that it was closing 48 California locations because of the “rising cost of doing business” in the state.
California voters keep doubling down, though. While the standard minimum wage in the state is currently $16 per hour, California voters are likely to approve an increase to $18 per hour this fall.
To make matters worse, environmental regulations are set to force gas prices to surge. Policies designed to help California reach its carbon-reduction goals could increase prices by 52 cents per gallon, while gas taxes could increase by more than $1 per gallon. This is despite the fact that the state already has some of the highest gas prices in the nation, at almost $5 per gallon.
On top of the gas-powered car ban that is set to take effect in a decade, California Democrats are working on banning the sale of gas furnaces and “non-zero-emission” water heaters by 2030.
Homelessness is another worsening problem for the “Golden State,” despite spending $24 billion to address it over the past five years. That is about $30,000 per homeless person per year. However, the homeless population actually increased in this period, even though nine state agencies and 30 programs were designed to address the issue. One of the primary reasons behind the high costs is that the state’s approach does not focus on group shelters, but rather, actual housing units for individuals.
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Furthermore, California is facing a $45 billion budget deficit, forcing Gov. Gavin Newsom to propose cuts to more than 250 different state programs and suspending a commonly used tax deduction for businesses. Beyond the economy, violent crime has forced numerous stores and restaurants to either close or take extra safety precautions to protect their workers.
California is facing policy disasters on all fronts, but Democrats are not taking any of the issues seriously. They keep digging themselves into a deeper hole while businesses and people flee the state in favor of safety and prosperity elsewhere. The voters are getting what they asked for, and until they stop electing Democrats, they will continue to face catastrophe.