Waste Of The Day: Secrecy Surrounds California Capitol Annex

California's Capitol Building annex project has doubled in cost to $1.1 billion, raising concerns about taxpayer spending. The annex includes office space, a parking garage, and a visitor's center for state lawmakers. Sources revealed the new design incorporates private hallways, allowing lawmakers to avoid public areas and journalists. The project's oversight committee has been secretive, denying interview requests and withholding diagrams. Lawmakers exempted the project from an environmental impact report, limiting public scrutiny. Some officials justify the private corridors as necessary for lawmaker security, citing events like the January 6th Capitol attack. Critics argue the design shields lawmakers from public accountability and transparency. The cost of the annex is comparable to the construction of Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The lack of transparency and rising costs have sparked controversy and accusations of hypocrisy. OpenTheBooks.com highlights the project as an example of potential government waste.