Resources

Displaying 1-12 of 15 results found

• Infographic

  Navigating the County Budget Process

  Each year, California’s 58 counties develop their budgets, which are influenced by state-mandated responsibilities as well as funding decisions made by the governor and Legislature. However, these budgets also reflect the unique priorities and needs of residents and county leaders, balancing state requirements with community-driven goals This infographic illustrates the key steps in the county … Continued
  Budget Academy

  California Budget
• Glossary

  California State Constitutional Offices Defined

  California’s Constitution establishes several statewide offices that oversee the functions, policies, and programs of state government. While the Governor is the most prominent and powerful statewide official, several other constitutional officers have significant authority and responsibilities that affect the day-to-day lives of Californians, including the Attorney General, the Controller, and the Insurance Commissioner. In addition, … Continued
  Budget Academy

  California Budget
• Fact Sheet

  Understanding the Requirements for Key Legislative Actions in California

  California’s Constitution establishes rules for a wide range of legislative actions, from passing the state budget to increasing taxes to placing constitutional amendments on the ballot. This table summarizes the requirements for approving key legislative actions in California.
  Budget Academy

  California Budget
• Video

  California State Budget Timeline: What Happens When?

  Watch to learn more Explore the year-long process of creating and revising California’s state budget — a process that shapes policies impacting every Californian. This video simplifies each key step, from initial proposals by state agencies to the governor’s budget release, legislative reviews, and final negotiations. Gain the insights you need to stay informed and … Continued
  Budget Academy
• Fact Sheet

  Federal Funds Drive One-Third of California’s State Budget

  Federal dollars support a wide array of public services and systems that touch the lives of all Californians — from health care and food assistance to child care and public schools. Under the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, many of these services are expected to face significant reductions — in large part to pay … Continued
  Budget Academy

  California Budget

  Federal Policy
• Video

  What is Proposition 98? Guaranteed School Funding Explained

  Watch to learn more Proposition 98, passed in 1988, is a cornerstone of California school funding, guaranteeing minimum funding levels for K-12 education funding and community college funding. But how does it work? And what does it mean for public schools and the state budget? In this explainer video, we break down it all down … Continued
  Budget Academy

  Education
• Report

  How California Policies Are Made: Legislative Process Highlights

  Table of contents Legislative Process: The Basics The legislative process — also known as the policy bill process — provides a key pathway through the state Legislature for Californians who want to change state law. Each year, members of the state Assembly and Senate collectively introduce thousands of bills that move, partially or all the … Continued
  Budget Academy

  California Budget
• Video

  Understanding California’s Budget Process: What Are Trailer Bills?

  Watch to learn more about trailer bills in California Trailer bills play a crucial role in California’s budget process by making the legal changes needed to implement policies in the Budget Act. This video explains how trailer bills work, their journey through budget committees, and the voting rules they must follow. You’ll explore how these … Continued
  Budget Academy
• Fact Sheet

  State Budget Process and Legislative Process: Key Activities and Deadlines

  The most common way for Californians to shape state funding decisions and policy priorities is through the state budget process and the legislative (or policy bill) process. The deadlines for the state budget process are established in California’s Constitution or in state law and rarely change. In contrast, most of the deadlines for the legislative … Continued
  Budget Academy

  California Budget
• Report

  Guide to the County Budget Process

  This guide describes the county budget process and timeline and looks at the key steps and players in creating county-level spending plans.
  Budget Academy
• Glossary

  California State Budget Terms Defined

  What’s the difference between a trailer bill and a policy bill? A surplus and an operating surplus? Special funds and the General Fund? And what exactly is a “Budget Bill Jr.”? Understanding these and other key budget-related terms is critical to navigating the state budget process and effectively engaging decision-makers in order to advocate for … Continued
  Budget Academy

  California Budget
• Report

  Guide to the California State Budget Process

  A comprehensive guide to the California state budget process: we provide an overview of the year-round state budget cycle, detail the roles of the key players, and lay out the timeline for state budgeting as well as opportunities for input. Our hope is that this guide makes the state budget process more accessible for policy staff, advocates, and the media, as well as to broaden participation in the budget debate.
  Budget Academy

  California Budget