California’s $12 billion budget deficit is not stopping state lawmakers from sending hundreds of millions for pet projects to their home districts this year, a decision that could shape the fate of at least two Democrats seeking higher elected office.

In all, Golden State lawmakers spent at least $415 million on local projects to help curry favor with constituents and win their next election. There were nearly 100 earmarks tucked into just one of the state’s budget bills for local projects and programs that had little to no benefit for anyone outside of the specific lawmaker’s district.

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