Republican lawmakers are demanding clearer answers from Democratic leaders about the soaring cost of California’s Capitol Annex renovation, a project that began at $453 million but is now believed to top $1 billion. For more than three years, the Legislature’s Joint Rules Committee has declined to release updated cost estimates or financial records, drawing growing frustration from lawmakers and the public.
GOP legislators say the refusal to disclose basic financial information raises serious questions about accountability. They argue that taxpayers deserve full transparency on how much the project will cost, why spending details remain hidden, and how far expenses have climbed since construction began.
According to reporting from KCRA, thousands of contractors and consultants tied to the Annex have signed nondisclosure agreements, preventing the public from seeing how tax dollars are being used. Despite Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledging earlier this year that the secrecy was “inappropriate,” the financial details remain sealed.
This week, Assemblymembers Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) and Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) sent a letter directly to Newsom urging him to order state agencies to release all remaining project records. Their request includes invoices, cost-overrun reports, contractor communications, and correspondence with legislative leaders.
“Californians should have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent,” said Hoover. “We deserve accountability and answers, not more excuses.”
Patterson issued his own warning about the lack of transparency, saying, “What are they hiding? Keeping secrets from the public like this is a sign that something is seriously wrong, and we deserve to know what it is.”
Republicans also noted that Newsom has criticized secrecy around renovation projects in other states, which they say makes the lack of information on California’s own billion-dollar effort even more troubling. They argue that the governor should apply the same standards of openness at home.
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Article By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media
