I believe that California has suffered because of its system of popular plebiscites/referendums: in essence, people vote for more public services and lower taxes.
That’s at least half right, maybe more. California spends a lot on public services at every level. There was a ballot initiative in 1978 that permanently limited property tax rates. However, in America, property tax revenue usually goes to local governments—meaning, cities and counties. On the other hand, current California state income and sales tax rates are the highest in the Union. So, at the state level, California is generous with services and relatively high-tax, but still not high-tax enough to support its level of expenditure.
That’s at least half right, maybe more. California spends a lot on public services at every level. There was a ballot initiative in 1978 that permanently limited property tax rates. However, in America, property tax revenue usually goes to local governments—meaning, cities and counties. On the other hand, current California state income and sales tax rates are the highest in the Union. So, at the state level, California is generous with services and relatively high-tax, but still not high-tax enough to support its level of expenditure.