Hannah Orbach-Mandel (she/her/hers)
Policy Analyst
Hannah Orbach-Mandel, Policy Analyst, conducts research and analysis on health and immigration policy. The goals of her work are to advance policy solutions that ensure all Californians can access the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Hannah has also helped lead the Budget Center’s work on gender equity and domestic violence.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2022, Hannah earned a master’s degree in public policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University, where she focused on policies to support survivors of sexual misconduct in higher education and the workplace, and on paid parental leave. While getting her degree, she worked at TIME’S UP where she conducted research on best practices for workplace sexual harassment policies. Hannah earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Kenyon College.
Hannah was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and enjoys swimming, biking, and running.. When she isn’t exercising, she loves cooking, reading, and watching sports, especially the University of Michigan Wolverines.
meet the expert: hannah orbach-mandel
Read more about Hannah's story and the work she's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Hannah Orbach-Mandel
-
Fact Sheet
Short-Term Cuts, Long-Term Costs: Investing in Health Care for All Californians
When all Californians — regardless of race, age, disability, or immigration status — have access to affordable and comprehensive health care, the entire state benefits through overall improved health and well-being, stronger communities, and reduced long-term costs. California had made significant advances toward providing health care for all, but recent federal and state cuts to …HealthMedi-Cal -
Report
Federal and State Budget Decisions Threaten AANHPI Women in California
key takeaway AANHPI women’s experiences vary widely across ethnicities, making disaggregated data essential to understanding the impacts of recent federal and state decisions. By examining the Women’s Well-Being Index indicators across multiple AANHPI ethnicities, this report highlights distinct challenges facing AANHPI women in California and identifies key steps state and local leaders can take to …Poverty & Inequality -
Fact Sheet
Timeline of Funding Cuts to Medi-Cal and CalFresh in California
key takeaway Many provisions in the harmful Republican megabill, H.R. 1, and the 2025-26 California state budget will directly reduce federal and state funding for Medi‑Cal and CalFresh, putting millions of Californians at risk of losing health care coverage and food assistance. The recently enacted Republican megabill, H.R. 1, includes the largest funding cuts to health …CalFreshFederal PolicyHealthMedi-CalSafety Net -
Issue Brief
Supporting Survivors: The Need for Stable Funding for Victim Services
key takeaway Federal funding instability to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) threatens essential services for survivors of domestic violence, creating uncertainty for service providers who rely on these funds. To ensure survivors receive the support they need, state and federal policymakers must prioritize stable, ongoing funding and prevent further cuts to VOCA.” Every Californian …Poverty & Inequality -
Issue Brief
How Policy Changes Are Affecting Women’s Economic Security in California
key takeaway Women in California continue to experience higher poverty rates than men, highlighting that despite decades of progress in job opportunities and earnings, women — especially women of color — still face persistent barriers. While recent state and federal budget cuts threaten to worsen these inequities, state policymakers have the tools to ensure all …Poverty & Inequality
