Our state has a diverse and dynamic economy. Yet, a large share of Californians live in poverty, wages for the typical worker have been stagnant over the past generation, and the gap between the wealthiest and the less well-off is widening. Through our analyses of employment, incomes, and overall economic security, the Budget Center seeks to shed light on state and regional trends while highlighting potential policy approaches for helping low- and middle-income Californians to advance.
Work, Income & Poverty
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Interactive
How Much Do Working Families and Individuals Benefit From the CalEITC?
This interactive tool shows how much families and individuals can expect to receive from the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the federal credit based on their tax filing status, the number of children they support, and their annual earnings from work.
Blog
Task Force Aims to Address California’s High Child Poverty Rate — but Policymakers Can Also Act Now
Released in advance of the Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Task Force’s May 2018 meeting, this blog post highlights some key facts about child poverty and the role that the right policy choices can play in addressing it.
Blog
The Trump Administration’s Trade Actions Are Likely to Hit Hardest in California Counties Where Unemployment Is Already High
Amid an emerging trade war between the US and China, this post shows how Chinese tariffs could harm California counties where unemployment is high and many are struggling economically.