So look at it on a per capita basis. Did it stay the same? Go up? Go down? Its a simple question not requiring a nuanced answer.
You do the research and the calculations.
My point stands.
If that is the sole criteria for conservativism, Ronaldus Magnus would fail.
CA government was not smaller after he governed them for two terms.
Reagan, while imperfect, certainly is a conservative hero to most of us.