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
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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 -
5Facts
The State of Health Coverage in California: Progress, Disparities, and Policy Threats
key takeaway California has made major strides in expanding health care access, but new federal and state policy threats risk reversing progress. To protect California health coverage disparities and Medi-Cal policy progress, state leaders must act to preserve affordable care and advance health equity. Affordable health care is essential for every Californian to be healthy …Health -
Report
How Federal and State Budget Cuts Threaten Latinx Californians
key takeaway Federal budget cuts to essential services threaten to worsen long-standing inequities for Latinx Californians and immigrants, underscoring the urgent need for state leaders to protect communities through stronger investments and fairer tax policies. Access to affordable health care, child care, housing, and food is necessary for all Californians to thrive. However, congressional members …CalFreshCalWORKsMedi-CalPoverty & Inequality
