California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom over the state’s multibillion-dollar broadband expansion initiative, claiming that billions in taxpayer funding have produced little progress. His accusations have sparked frustration among social media users who question how California spends public money, with some demanding an investigation into the program’s finances.
Hilton shared a video on X that targeted Newsom’s Broadband for All initiative, arguing that the program has failed to deliver on its promise of expanding internet access to underserved communities. The Republican candidate also promised to cancel what he described as wasteful government projects if elected, presenting his proposed spending cuts and tax reductions as an alternative to California’s current approach.
California’s Broadband for All initiative was developed to improve internet access in communities where reliable, as affordable broadband service has historically been difficult to obtain. A major component of the effort is the state’s middle-mile broadband network, which aims to build infrastructure that internet providers can use to extend services to homes, businesses, and other locations.
Hilton claimed that California had spent $2.2 billion on broadband expansion while connecting only one underserved community, which he argued already had internet access before the project began. However, his post did not provide a complete accounting of the program’s expenditures or distinguish between infrastructure construction, completed network segments, and households receiving new service.
The candidate also connected his criticism of broadband spending to California’s high-speed rail project, arguing that both initiatives demonstrate the problems associated with expensive, long-running government programs. He promised to cancel projects he considered wasteful, reduce state spending below $300 billion, and pursue a tax proposal he calls Your First $150K Tax Free, although implementing such changes would require navigating California’s budget and legislative process.
The criticism comes as California works to expand broadband infrastructure under legislation signed by Newsom in 2021, including Senate Bill 156. While the initiative is intended to improve connectivity over time, its construction schedule, costs, and eventual benefits remain important questions for evaluating whether the investment is meeting its stated objectives.
Comments and Reactions to Steve Hilton’s Criticism of California’s Broadband Program
Several commenters welcomed Hilton’s criticism and expressed frustration with California’s spending priorities, arguing that taxpayers deserve better results from expensive government initiatives. “In California they waste billions a year and then demand more from you every year,” said one user, while another wrote, “It’s time for a change!“
Others questioned how much progress the broadband project had made since Newsom signed the legislation authorizing its expansion, with a different commenter writing, “Newsom signed SB 156 in July 2021. The state’s own Feb fact sheet still had 5,206 of ~8,100 planned miles “in installation.” Five years. Steve, will you order a forensic audit on day one?“
As the debate heats up on X, Californians continue to voice their frustrations. With $2.2 billion in broadband spending under scrutiny, taxpayers will want to know whether they’re getting their money’s worth.
