Bill Maher Criticizes California Democrats on Education and Green Energy, Pointing to Mississippi and Texas Gains
Comedian Bill Maher on “Real Time” criticized California Democrats’ performance on education and green energy, citing recent NAEP snapshots and federal solar data that show Mississippi and Texas outperforming California on key measures in 2024–2025.
- Maher cited NAEP data showing higher proficiency percentages for Black fourth-graders in Mississippi than in California.
- Federal energy figures cited show Texas produced more utility-scale solar generation in 2025 than California.
- Context matters: NAEP snapshots and utility-scale solar figures are slices of broader, more complex systems.
Maher’s claims and the numbers he cited
On his HBO show, Maher aimed a pointed critique at California’s political leaders.
“Democrats, these are your issues: education, race, the environment,”
He added,
“Did you know that a Black fourth grader in Mississippi is two and a half times as likely to be proficient in math and reading as one in California? Mississippi is kicking our a– in education and for way less money. We’re 37th in fourth-grade reading. They’re ninth.”
Those claims track with reporting that cited the 2024 NAEP snapshots. According to that reporting, Black fourth-graders in Mississippi were listed at 19% proficient and 2% advanced in reading, compared with 7% proficient and 1% advanced in California. For fourth-grade math, Mississippi’s Black students were listed at 22% proficient and 2% advanced, compared with 10% proficient and 1% advanced in California. The comparison Maher cited — that a Mississippi Black fourth grader is “two and a half times as likely” to be proficient — reflects those proportional differences.
Green energy: utility-scale vs. small-scale solar
Maher also referenced federal energy data showing utility-scale solar generation in Texas surpassed California’s in 2025. The figures he cited list Texas at 58,634 gigawatt-hours and California at 53,713 gigawatt-hours for utility-scale solar in 2025. Reporting noted Texas overtook California in utility-scale installed capacity in 2024, while California still leads when small-scale rooftop and behind-the-meter systems are included.
What Maher left in and what he left out
Maher’s monologue mixes provocation with selected facts. His central points — that Black fourth-graders in Mississippi scored higher on NAEP proficiency percentages than their California peers, and that Texas produced more utility-scale solar energy than California in 2025 — align with the statistics he referenced. The New York Times characterization quoted in coverage called the NAEP differences “astonishing” for those familiar with civil rights history.
But important context is missing:
- NAEP snapshots capture one slice of a complex education system — demographics, test participation, pandemic recovery, standards and reporting rules all shape results.
- The solar comparison focuses on utility-scale generation; California maintains a substantial amount of small-scale rooftop solar that keeps its total solar output near the top nationally.
- Experts caution against treating single numbers as definitive proof that a state is “winning” or “losing” across broad policy goals.
Attribution and sources
Primary materials Maher cited or that underlie media summaries include the video of his monologue and coverage that summarized the NAEP and energy figures. Video of the Real Time monologue is available from Fox News. The summary article that cited New York Times reporting and NAEP snapshots is on WFMD. The New York Times article referenced was published Feb. 9, 2026.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact
K-12 education performance and state education policy affect local workforce development in the Inland Empire. If California faces persistent gaps in student proficiency, local employers may encounter a workforce with skills that lag national peers, potentially prompting additional employer-funded training or relocation considerations. Improving education outcomes could strengthen the talent pipeline for Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Political consequences
Maher’s critique may resonate in a region that has swung politically. Moderates and suburban voters in the Inland Empire might use the critique to press local and state Democrats for measurable progress on reading and math proficiency, particularly for Black and underserved student groups.
Social effects
The NAEP discrepancy highlights equity gaps relevant to the Inland Empire’s diverse communities. Districts serving significant Hispanic and low-income populations may face increased pressure from parents and community leaders to expand tutoring, early literacy programs, and supports addressing out-of-school factors such as health care and housing stability.
Cultural relevance
California’s identity as a progressive leader on climate and social policy is strong in the Inland Empire. Maher’s message — that conservative-led states are outperforming on certain measures — could prompt civic groups, faith leaders and activists to convene policy discussions reconciling values with measurable outcomes.
Practical applications for residents
- For parents: The NAEP snapshot underscores the value of local interventions. Look for district and state programs offering summer learning, tutoring and early literacy initiatives.
- For policymakers: Press for transparency on education and climate spending and seek partnerships to expand access to small-scale solar installations for low-income households.
- For employers and community groups: Expand apprenticeship, mentorship and adult-education programs to strengthen the local talent pipeline while supporting students in academic recovery.
Reporting notes
This article relies on coverage that summarized NAEP data and federal energy figures and on a recorded segment of Real Time with Bill Maher. See the monologue video at Fox News and the summary article on WFMD for the primary material Maher cited.
