California Meltdown: When in doubt, Blame the Voters!

New Geography reports:

Now, we have a budget crisis, and California voters are unwilling to give Sacramento a pass. Why?

Maybe they don’t think they are getting value for their increased investment in government. California spent about $2,173 per resident (2000 dollars) in the 1997-1988 budget. The 2007-2008 budget spends about $2,738 (2000 dollars) per resident. That represents a 26 percent increase in real (inflation adjusted) per-capita spending in ten years.

What have California voters purchased with their 26 percent increase in government spending? Are the roads 26 percent better? Are schools 26 percent better? What is 26 percent better?

You'll want to read this one.