Erik Saucedo (he/him/his)
Senior Policy Analyst
Erik Saucedo, Senior Policy Analyst, conducts research and analyses with the goal of improving education systems so that all students have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Erik supports the Budget Center's work by focusing on equitable funding of K-12 and higher education and the impacts that race and gender-neutral policies have on students and their families. Through this work, Erik also develops recommendations for state policy.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2020, Erik was a tutoring program coordinator with the Pipeline Project while also completing a master’s degree in education at the University of Washington. Prior to graduate school, Erik was a high school Spanish teacher with Sacramento City Unified School District. Erik earned an associate’s degree at Hartnell Community College and a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Davis. Erik also completed a teacher preparation program at California State University, Sacramento.
As a first-generation college graduate from an immigrant background, Erik values the power of education and has dedicated his career to ensuring that students like him have opportunities to get a college degree. Erik’s favorite self-care activities are running and playing guitar.
meet the expert: Erik Saucedo
Read more about Erik's story and the work he's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Erik Saucedo
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Report
School Funding and California’s State Budget Process
Introduction Every year, California’s governor and Legislature adopt a state budget that provides a framework and funding for vital public services and systems — from child care and health care to housing and the safety net to colleges and TK-12 schools (transitional kindergarten through 12th grade). But the state budget is about more than dollars …Budget Academy -
Q&A
Q&A: How California Funds Universal Transitional Kindergarten
key takeaway California’s expansion of Transitional Kindergarten is backed by a significant state investment, with TK funding distributed through the state’s school funding formula and adjusted based on student attendance. However, multilingual TK students are not yet fully captured in the funding formula. California has made a significant investment to expand access to early education …Child Care & Preschool -
Issue Brief
Should Voters Approve Proposition 2? How California’s Rainy Day Fund Would Be Updated
key takeaway Proposition 2 on the November 2026 ballot would change the rules for California’s rainy day fund to build a larger reserve and better protect core public services during budget emergencies, such as an economic downturn. Prop. 2 also would expand the types of state debt that could be repaid with General Fund revenues …Ballot PropositionsCalifornia Budget -
Case Study
How a Tax on Wealthy Households Funds Schools, Health Care & More
Every Californian deserves quality education, health care, well-paying jobs, and the resources to build a secure future — and sustained public investment is how we get there. Recent experience shows that such investments are possible with voter-approved, progressive reforms that strengthen and expand California’s revenue base. In 2012, California voters asked the state’s highest earners …Taxes & Revenue -
Fact Sheet
Preschool-Age Enrollment Trends Across California’s Early Learning Programs
key takeaway Most of the growth in preschool-age enrollment comes from expanded TK programs, while access for 3-year-olds remains limited due to eligibility and availability constraints. Participation in early childhood education programs supports children’s development and contributes to improved outcomes into adulthood, particularly for children from households with low incomes. Early childhood education programs also …Child Care & Preschool
