​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 22, 2026 Contact: Austin Gilbert

Email: austin.gilbert@asm.ca.gov

​Assemblyman Tangipa Applauds Introduction of Congressman Vince Fong’s CAL Repayment Act

​Clovis, CA — Today, Assemblyman David Tangipa announced his support for the Creating Accountability in Loan (CAL) Repayment Act, introduced by Congressman Vince Fong, legislation aimed at restoring accountability for California’s unemployment insurance debt and protecting taxpayers and employers from the consequences of state mismanagement.

​The CAL Repayment Act would require states with outstanding federal unemployment insurance loans, including California, to prioritize repayment of those debts before using future flexible federal funds for other purposes. The legislation comes as California remains the only state in the nation with outstanding federal UI debt, now exceeding $18 billion.

​Assemblyman Tangipa expressed strong support for the measure, stating:

​“California families, farmers, and small businesses are paying the price for Sacramento’s failures. During the pandemic, billions of taxpayer dollars were lost to fraud and abuse because state leaders failed to provide basic oversight and accountability. Instead of paying down this debt when the state had the opportunity, Sacramento shifted the burden onto employers through higher payroll taxes. Congressman Fong’s CAL Repayment Act is a commonsense measure that puts accountability first, protects taxpayers, and ensures California job creators are not punished for the state’s mismanagement.”

​California’s Employment Development Department distributed at least $32 billion in fraudulent unemployment payments during the pandemic, including benefits paid to thousands of inmates and convicted criminals. At the same time, California employers continue to face increasing federal payroll taxes as the state’s unemployment insurance debt remains unpaid.

​The CAL Repayment Act would:

​Require states with outstanding federal UI debt to apply future eligible federal funds toward repayment before spending on other purposes.

​Prohibit states from redirecting flexible federal funds elsewhere while debt remains outstanding.

​Establish enforcement mechanisms requiring repayment of improperly spent funds.

​Apply prospectively to certain federal funds awarded after enactment.

​Tangipa added that the legislation is an important step toward restoring trust in government and ensuring public funds are used responsibly.

​“Taxpayers deserve accountability, and employers deserve relief,” Tangipa said. “We cannot continue allowing Sacramento politicians to spend recklessly while hardworking Californians are left footing the bill.”

​— Assemblyman David Tangipa

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