Monica Saucedo
Senior Policy Fellow
Monica Saucedo, Senior Policy Fellow, conducts research on public policies related to the social safety net and their effect on Californians with low incomes. Her current work focuses on the CalFresh, CalWORKs, and SSI/SSP programs. The goal of her work is to promote equity in policy-making through robust research and build systems that improve the welfare of marginalized communities. Monica co-leads the development of research methodology best practices and supports the team with her technical expertise in rigorous research designs.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2023, Monica spent several years working in the nonprofit sector, where she coordinated programs aimed at closing equity gaps in education and expanding safety net coverage. While in graduate school, she worked at the California Policy Lab researching higher education and access to public assistance benefits. Monica holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and bachelor’s degrees in economics and mathematics from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
Monica is a proud Mexican immigrant and first-generation college graduate who has happily made California home. When she’s not wrangling her three dogs, she enjoys simple activities like cooking, reading, and solving crossword puzzles.
meet the expert: Monica Saucedo
Read more about Monica's story and the work she's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Monica Saucedo
-
Fact Sheet
California Sees Health Gains for Undocumented Residents After Medi-Cal Expansion
key takeaway California’s expansion of Medi-Cal to include all eligible residents, regardless of immigration status, has improved health outcomes for non-citizen children. However, gaps remain for undocumented adults who lack coverage, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote health equity and economic stability for all Californians. Immigrants are an integral part of California’s communities …Health & Safety Net -
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California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is severely underfunded and outdated, leaving workers with inadequate benefits and excluding millions.Health & Safety NetPoverty & Inequality -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 -
Fact Sheet
Closing Prisons Can Help Avoid Cuts, Fund Vital Safety Net and Health Programs
Closing California state prisons is a key underutilized tool that can provide the funds needed to offset cuts to vital safety net and health programs.California Budget -
Fact Sheet
Medi-Cal Coverage Loss Stings Californians: Paperwork Challenges Persist
Despite being eligible, many Californians lose vital Medi-Cal coverage due to complex paperwork and difficulty reaching county offices.Health & Safety Net