Mauricio Torres Jr. (he/him/él)
Communications Director
Mauricio Torres Jr., Communications Director, ensures that the Budget Center’s values and vision for a just and equitable California remain central in public discourse. He collaborates closely with the Budget Center team to engage policymakers, advocates, and media, amplifying the organization's data and policy expertise to advance equitable policies for Californians historically excluded from the state’s prosperity.
Before stepping into his current role, Mauricio led the Budget Center’s digital strategy, overseeing the website, email program, social media, ads, and other digital platforms. Prior to joining the Budget Center in 2019, he worked with labor unions and green energy clients at Paschal Roth Public Affairs. Mauricio holds a master’s degree in strategic communication and public relations from Sacred Heart University and dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication studies from California State University, Sacramento (Stingers Up!). He also serves on the board of the Sacramento Lavender Library, Archives, and Cultural Exchange.
Mauricio is a proud Mexican-American and first-generation college graduate. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, planning his next adventure, and listening to podcasts.
Recent posts by Mauricio Torres Jr.
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Press Release
New Analysis: Proposition 40 Could Raise Billions, but Poses Serious Tradeoffs
SACRAMENTO, CA — A new publication from the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) examines Proposition 40, the Billionaire Tax Act, and what it could mean for California’s budget, public services, and long-term fiscal outlook. The analysis finds Prop. 40 — a first-in-the-nation 5% tax on the wealth of California’s roughly 250 billionaires, who …Ballot Propositions -
Press Release
Statement on Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 May Revision
SACRAMENTO, CA — Following the release of Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 revised budget proposal, the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center), a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit, responded with the following statement from its executive director, Chris Hoene: “Governor Gavin Newsom’s final state budget plan is an opportunity to cement his legacy and approach to …California Budget -
Press Release
Statement on the Legislative Analyst’s Office Recent Report
SACRAMENTO, CA— Following the release of the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) report, Understanding $100 Billion in Spending Growth: Causes and Fiscal Implications, the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) issued the following statement from its executive director, Chris Hoene: “California’s budget is a reflection of our values, and the spending growth documented in the … -
Commentary
“Work Requirements” Is Just Another Name for Cuts
California policymakers are considering following in the federal government’s footsteps and making it harder for vulnerable families to get food, health care, and housing. This spring, federal policy changes are set to strip millions of Californians of benefits they depend on. Under the 2025 Republican megabill, H.R. 1, an estimated 665,000 CalFresh recipients — 70% …CalFreshHealthMedi-Cal -
Press Release
Statement on Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 Budget Proposal
SACRAMENTO, CA — Following Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 budget proposal released this morning, the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center), a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit, weighed in with the following statement from its executive director, Chris Hoene. “California’s state budget is a reflection of our shared values and our responsibility to care for one …California Budget
