Kayla Kitson (she/her/hers)
Senior Policy Analyst
Kayla Kitson, Senior Policy Analyst, conducts research, authors publications, and provides technical assistance related to state tax and revenue policies. The primary goal of her work is to advance policies that make the state’s tax system more fair and ensure that it raises enough revenue to support the services Californians need to thrive.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2018, Kayla worked on federal tax policy issues in Washington, DC at Americans for Tax Fairness and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Prior to getting into tax policy work, she focused on affordable housing and homelessness at organizations in Los Angeles County and the Bay Area. Kayla received a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in social welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Kayla was raised in San Diego County and enjoys watching TV with wry humor, listening to music, and occasionally camping. When she’s not working or bingeing TV, you might find her doing word puzzles or practicing Spanish with Duolingo or her cat.
meet the expert: Kayla Kitson
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Recent posts by Kayla Kitson
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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California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is severely underfunded and outdated, leaving workers with inadequate benefits and excluding millions.Health & Safety NetPoverty & Inequality -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 -
Commentary
How California Leaders Can Improve the Oversight and Evaluation of State Tax Expenditures
Taxes & Revenue -
Report
Understanding Proposition 35
California voters will decide on November 5th, 2024 whether to pass Proposition 35, which would 1) require the state to request federal approval for the Managed Care Organization tax on an ongoing basis and 2) allocate those dollars for certain health care investments.Ballot PropositionsHealth & Safety Net -
Commentary
A California For All Requires Fair Taxation
A California for all, where everyone has access to economic opportunity, affordable housing, comprehensive health care, quality education, sufficient child care, and other basic needs, is possible. Policymakers can achieve this vision by advancing fairer taxation to prevent cuts during budget shortfalls like the one we face today and address the vital long-term needs of …Taxes & Revenue