Ex-Chief of Staff Cashes Out $50,000 in Vacation Pay During Federal Corruption Investigation
Dana Williamson, former chief of staff for California Governor Gavin Newsom, left her position amid a federal corruption investigation and received over $50,000 in unused vacation pay. Payroll records show Williamson used approximately $30,000 of her accrued leave to remain on the state payroll through January 31, seven weeks after her official departure, before receiving a $22,000 lump-sum payout for remaining hours. California’s generous vacation accrual policies have created a $5.6 billion unfunded liability, with many state employees cashing out large balances upon leaving service. In 2025 alone, the state paid $453 million in unused leave, including more than $250,000 to 80 employees. Williamson accrued 462 hours of leave in under two years, earning $19,612 per month. Federal charges filed against her in November 2025 include siphoning $225,000 from a dormant campaign account and improperly claiming $1 million in luxury expenses, to which she pleaded not guilty. Experts argue the rapid accumulation of leave and large payouts strain state budgets, particularly for departments responsible for final payments. Critics say the state has not addressed the growing liability, which continues to rise annually. The case highlights systemic issues in California’s handling of vacation accrual and cash-outs for public employees.
Ex-Chief of Staff Cashes Out $50,000 in Vacation Pay During Federal Corruption Investigation
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