Fresno County is on track to see a controversial road tax on the ballot later this year.
Page F1From§Eachthe late evening edition — 1 September 2026
California drivers bankroll governor’s security after office, while county faces tax hell from Newsom law
California drivers could end up funding Governor Newsom’s security after he leaves office, thanks to a $20 million budget carveout (27), while a county faces major tax hell from a Newsom-signed law that forces the issue onto the ballot (2). The ledger is precise: the state finds a dedicated pot for one man’s security detail, but the county gets forced into a ballot fight over taxes, with the New York Post calling it 'major tax hell.' The gap is $20 million for the outgoing governor’s protection, and whatever the county can squeeze from voters after the law. The receipts say the spending is separate, but the bill lands on anyone with a California plate. Hon, there’s never a shortfall for executive perks—just for the rest. The size of the gap is the price of a driver’s renewal notice minus the one line item for schools. The column is what doesn’t get funded when the boss’s security does. In lieu of flowers, check your DMV bill for the added fee.
“Drivers in California are stuck with the tab for Newsom's security after he leaves office, and a county faces a nightmare tax bill thanks to his new law. They're always telling you California can't afford anything, but there's always money for the boss's ride home.”
“It's important to ensure the safety of public officials, even after their term ends. And sometimes, counties face tough tax decisions—that's just part of managing a large state. Did I say 'just'? Maybe it's a little complicated, but it's all above board.”
The receipts
The money would specifically provide California Highway Patrol officers to serve as the personal security for current or former elected officials and their families.
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.