April 13, 2026
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Request for Special Session on Fraud in State Programs
Governor Newsom:
The Assembly Republican Caucus is requesting that you immediately call a special session of the Legislature to address fraud across California’s state departments and programs.
Attorney General Rob Bonta’s recent announcement regarding the arrest of individuals connected to a major hospice fraud scheme raises broader concerns about how widespread fraud and abuse are throughout state government. The public deserves to know whether warning signs are being missed or ignored, and what changes are needed to ensure adequate oversight and accountability to prevent abuse. A special session will allow the Legislature to prioritize and potentially secure stolen public resources ahead of the budget deadline.
Questions about fraud, waste, and lack of accountability continue to be raised across multiple areas of state government. Programs including Medi-Cal, homelessness spending, in-home supportive services, employment programs, and major infrastructure efforts have all faced scrutiny for inadequate oversight and transparency.
A recent report by City Journal estimated that California may have lost “at least $180 billion to fraud” across major government programs, based on audits, public records, and prior investigations. Given the potential scale of the fraud, this issue demands urgent attention, particularly in the context of the state’s budget deficit and ongoing affordability crisis.
Accordingly, I respectfully request that you call a special session focused on:
- Determining the full scope of fraud and improper payments across state programs
- Evaluating current oversight and enforcement mechanisms
- Identifying gaps in accountability and internal controls
- Advancing reforms to strengthen oversight and recover taxpayer funds
A special session would provide the appropriate forum to bring departments before the Legislature, obtain answers, and implement meaningful reforms.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Diane B. Dixon Assemblymember, 72nd District
