Gavin Newsom’s controversial ‘free diapers’ program gets quiet contracting carve-out
Gavin Newsom's 'free diapers' program has faced criticism for a lack of competitive bidding. The $12.5 million initiative, which provides 400 free diapers to California parents, has raised concerns about favoritism due to its ties to Newsom's wife. Despite assurances from the state, some lawmakers question the program's cost-effectiveness and transparency.
- ▪The program offers 400 free diapers to all California parents regardless of income.
- ▪Newsom's office requested an exemption from competitive bidding practices for the program.
- ▪Critics argue that running the program through a nonprofit may increase costs due to administrative expenses.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Politics Gavin Newsom’s controversial ‘free diapers’ program gets quiet contracting carve-out By Annie Gaus Published May 16, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET Gavin Newsom’s controversial “free diapers” program won’t face the scrutiny typical for state contractors — with the governor quietly carving out an exemption from bidding rules, despite growing questions about favoritism and waste. The $12.5 million ”Golden State Start” was rolled out ahead of Mother’s Day and offers 400 free diapers to all California parents regardless of income. Newsom is under fire for tapping Los Angeles-based Baby2Baby to run the program because of the nonprofit’s close ties to his gender filmmaker wife. 7 Gavin Newsom’s controversial “free diapers” program won’t face the scrutiny typical for state contractors.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
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