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Welcome to the Budget Academy

The Budget Center’s essential resources for understanding and navigating the California state budget — all in one place. Explore tools, videos, and expert insights designed to strengthen your advocacy and guide informed decision-making.

Have a question about the state budget? Contact us.

Learn the Lingo

Understanding budget-related terms is essential for navigating the state budget and legislative process and effectively engaging with decision-makers to advocate for just policy solutions for Californians.

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

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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

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Tax and Revenue Policy Glossary

What’s the difference between income and wealth? Taxes for individuals and corporations in California? Tax credits and deductions? Understanding these key terms is critical to navigating the state budget and its intersection with California’s tax and revenue system to generate ongoing resources and provide quality education, affordable health care, child care, housing, and other services … Continued

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Where to Start? Our Essential Resources

Our resources on the California state budget can help us all ask: What kind of California do you want to live in?

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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.

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

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.

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

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Master the Budget, Build a Stronger California Together

With the right tools, we can work together to shape policies that create a more equitable and thriving California for all.

Budget Breakdown: Videos to Learn

Explore our video series for a breakdown of key elements of California’s state budget.
More videos coming soon!

California State Budget Timeline: What Happens When?

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

Illustration of California state capitol building with a hand drawing on the right side. A yellow checkmark inside a speech bubble is shown, alongside the text 'Take effect immediately upon being signed by the Governor' in relation to trailer bills.

What is Proposition 98? Guaranteed School Funding Explained

Get Your Guide

Enter your email to get our free infographic, Navigating the California State Budget Process, and discover when and how YOU can engage in shaping California’s future.

MEET THE EXPERT

Scott Graves

Scott is a leading expert on the California state budget. With decades of experience, he has dedicated his career to demystifying the budget process, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Scott focuses on empowering non-traditional players — particularly those historically excluded based on race, gender, class, or immigration status — to have a stronger role in shaping policies that affect their communities. He is a frequent speaker at panels, media interviews, and other forums, where he shares his expertise, insights, and sharp analysis.