Los Angeles wants $2 billion bailout after raising pay for government workers

Published March 25, 2025 2:46pm ET



In the aftermath of the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, the city is requesting more money from the state and promising to punish residents for not cleaning up fast enough.

Los Angeles had already been wrestling with budget problems before the fires, though Democratic Mayor Karen Bass found enough money to throw $316 million toward unionized city employees for raises even as she cut the fire department’s budget. The city is facing a near $1 billion budget shortfall, with “thousands” of “nearly inevitable” layoffs now on the horizon.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.