California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing sharp criticism over his new initiative to provide free diapers to newborns, with detractors labeling it a wasteful and potentially corrupt scheme. The program, called Golden State Start, was announced late last week and partners with the nonprofit Baby2Baby to supply 400 diapers to every baby born in participating hospitals.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
Critics have raised concerns about the involvement of Norah Weinstein, co-CEO of Baby2Baby, who also sits on the board of California Partners Project, a gender equity organization co-founded by Newsom's wife, Sibel Newsom. This overlap has led to accusations that the program benefits the governor's associates rather than effectively serving families.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton did not mince words, stating, "Instead of taking our money, putting into some scheme that benefits their friends and cronies, why don't they let us just keep more of our money in the first place so we can decide how to spend our money?" He further criticized the program's cost, claiming it is three times more expensive than simply leaving money in parents' bank accounts.
Cost Analysis Raises Eyebrows
Peter Basios, a former organic baby formula entrepreneur, analyzed the program's budget on X, calling it "peak government stupidity." He calculated that the $20 million taxpayer-funded initiative would provide 40 million diapers to 100,000 newborns, costing $0.50 per diaper. In contrast, he noted that the same diapers can be purchased at Costco for 12 to 15 cents each, meaning the state is paying 8 to 10 times more per diaper than a family buying in bulk.
"They could have just handed every low-income new mom $100 cash and told her to go to Costco. She'd get more diapers, better ones if she wanted, and still have money left for formula, wipes, or whatever the hell she actually needs," Basios wrote.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about government efficiency and the potential for conflicts of interest in public-private partnerships. Newsom's office has defended the program, emphasizing its goal to support families and reduce diaper need, but the backlash continues to grow.
