One cause of Stockton’s bankruptcy is state fiscal dysfunction.
Dems won’t cut spending while Republicans block tax increases. The state plugs the resulting deficits by raiding cities. Eliminating redevelopment, the state took around $20 million from Stockton and is arguing Stockton owes more. It also raided the city’s share of vehicle license fees.
This dysfuncton resulted, in part, from gerrymandering. It artifically protected the Republican minority. Now that the age of gerrymandering is over, California voters have given Dems a supermajority – probably. Meaning Dems wil be able to raise taxes.
More revenue could mean reduced deficits (if Dems don’t perpetually raise speding). Reduced deficits mean the state might take its hand out of our pocket.
It’s all a maybe. But one possible future is a fiscally healthier Stockton.
