That's one way of looking at it... Another way is CA is a huge part of US federal tax revenue. They are basically subsidizing other states via the taxes they pay the federal government. If you have benefited from the protection of US armed forces, or the safety of modern air travel via the FAA, or the safety of modern food &#38; drugs via the FDA you are reaping the benefits of CA's population. I use those specific examples because they are programs most people would not dispute as being essential government services. In my opinion it's a very wise investment for the country. We want CA to keep being rich and prosperous so they can keep giving us lots of tax revenue in the future.