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California Governor Newsom's International Travel Funded by Nonprofit Foundation

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Funding Governor Newsom's Global Climate Trips: A Closer Look

California Governor Gavin Newsom has undertaken recent international trips to countries including Brazil, Switzerland, and Germany, aiming to position California as a global climate partner. These high-profile journeys have subsequently raised questions regarding their funding.

Newsom's international travel costs are primarily covered by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit organization. This arrangement aims to reduce the financial burden on California taxpayers.

The Funding Mechanism Explained

The California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit, primarily covers the governor's international travel expenses. The foundation is largely funded through corporate donations and is overseen by a board appointed by the Governor. Its stated mission is to alleviate the financial burden on California taxpayers by covering expenses related to advancing the state's economic and diplomatic interests.

Criticisms and Concerns

Critics, including advocacy groups like Consumer Watchdog, argue that relying on such foundations creates an avenue for corporate interests to gain access to politicians whose travel they fund. Donors to the foundation have included healthcare companies such as Centene and CVS Pharmacy. Furthermore, a significant portion of the foundation's revenue originates from separate nonprofits linked to the governor, which are supported by entities with business interests before the state.

Historical Context of Gubernatorial Travel Funding

The use of nonprofits to fund gubernatorial travel and events in California has been a practice for decades. The current protocol foundation was established during Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration in 2004. Similar arrangements trace back to Governor George Deukmejian in the 1980s, with their use expanding significantly under Governor Gray Davis in the early 2000s.

Historically, when a governor leaves office, their supporters have transferred control of the foundation to the incoming administration. The foundation's board members, including its chair and secretary, have often been former high-ranking advisors to the governor.

Foundation's Financials and Expenditures

The foundation reported approximately $1.3 million in total revenue in 2024. It covers the costs of the governor's international and specific domestic official travel, including staff travel.

Examples of covered trips and costs include:

  • Over $13,000 for a 2024 trip to Italy for a climate change speech at the Vatican.
  • Nearly $4,000 for a trip to Mexico City to attend the presidential inauguration.
  • $15,200 for a 2023 trip to China.
  • $8,800 for a 2020 trip to Miami for Super Bowl LIV, where Newsom represented the state.

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom has reported receiving $72,000 in travel, staff picnics, and holiday event support from the foundation through financial disclosure forms.

Key Donors and Behested Payments

Donations solicited by Governor Newsom to the foundation are recorded as behested payments with the Fair Political Practices Commission. Noteworthy behested payments include:

  • $100,000 from the Resources Legacy Fund.
  • $150,000 from the U.S. Energy Foundation for the California delegation's attendance at COP30 in Brazil.
  • $300,000 from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for the California delegation's China climate meetings in 2023.
  • $220,000 from UC Berkeley for the governor's office trip to the Vatican in 2024.

Other donations for general operating support include $80,000 from the autonomous vehicle company Zoox Inc.

Additionally, two charities established for Newsom’s inaugurations in 2019 and 2023 have transferred over $5 million to the protocol foundation since 2019. The financial backers of these inaugural charities encompass unions, corporations, tribal casino interests, trade associations, and healthcare organizations with significant stakes in state policy.

Past Precedents and Travel Styles

During Governor Schwarzenegger's administration, the protocol foundation covered $1.7 million in travel costs, with disclosures criticized for being vague. These expenses often included private jets and luxury suites. In contrast, Newsom's office has stated that the governor travels commercially rather than on private jets.