Alissa Anderson (she/her/hers)
Policy Director
Alissa Anderson, Policy Director, conducts research to support policies that will create a more equitable economy where all Californians share in the state’s prosperity. Much of her work focuses on refundable income tax credits as tools for boosting economic security. She has provided policy recommendations and analytical support to a coalition of advocates working to strengthen and expand California’s Earned Income Tax Credit (the CalEITC) since the credit’s creation in 2015.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2005, Alissa was a research associate in the Center on Education Data and Policy at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. and taught English as a second language at an adult school. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bryn Mawr College and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of California, Los Angeles. While in graduate school she conducted research on local living wage policies for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE).
Originally from the east coast, Alissa has called California home for nearly 20 years and lives with her partner and two children in Sacramento. She enjoys dancing and singing and appreciates the life lessons her children teach her, like how to slow down and live in the moment.
meet the expert: Alissa Anderson
Read more about Alissa's story and the work she's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Alissa Anderson
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Data Hit
Fair Taxes, Strong Communities: Closing Loopholes to Support Californians
California faces a budget shortfall, but instead of cuts that harm communities, the state can raise revenue equitably by closing ineffective tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy.California BudgetTaxes & Revenue -
Report
California’s Refundable Income Tax Credits: $1.4 Billion for Californians With Low Incomes
key takeaway California’s refundable income tax credits — CalEITC, YCTC, and FYTC — play a crucial role in combating poverty and promoting economic security for millions of low-income families and individuals. These programs prove how targeted policies can address the state’s high cost of living, advance racial equity, and provide vital financial support. Every Californian …Health & Safety Net -
Report
Revitalizing Unemployment Insurance in California
California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is severely underfunded and outdated, leaving workers with inadequate benefits and excluding millions.Health & Safety NetPoverty & Inequality -
Report
California’s Poverty Rate Soars to Alarmingly High Levels in 2023
key takeaway California’s poverty rate has increased significantly, with disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx residents. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for federal and state policymakers to implement robust anti-poverty measures, such as strengthening the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and SNAP program. California’s poverty rate increased to 18.9% in 2023, …Poverty & Inequality -
Data Hit
Governor Newsom Proposes Harmful Cuts, Policymakers Have Alternatives
The governor’s revised budget proposes deep cuts to vital programs, impacting low-income families, foster youth, immigrants, and more.California Budget