Commentary
California officials acknowledge that at least $20 billion dollars were stolen from the state by unemployment insurance fraud during the pandemic. However, it’s probably a lot more. Some experts believe it to be as high as $40 to $50 billion. This is more than the entire state budget of most states! It amounts to about $1,000 stolen from the pockets of every man, woman, and child in the state.
But in a state that recently reduced stealing less than a $950 to a misdemeanor, perhaps we should not be surprised that no one seems to care.
Governor Gavin Newsom faced a recall vote last year, but not because of the fraud. The recall was initiated by Californians fed up with the state’s COVID-19 mandates, which Newsom himself failed to follow. Barely a mention was made in the recall campaign about the astounding incompetence which led to billions being stolen.
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