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
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Recent posts by Monica Saucedo
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Report
Paperwork Over People: Why Republican “Work Requirements” Fail Families
key takeaway Republican budget proposals would impose harsh and ineffective “work requirements” that restrict access to health care, food, and other necessities for millions of Americans. These “work requirements” are just paperwork barriers, not solutions. Federal policymakers should reject them. All Californians, no matter their race, gender, or zip code, deserve to have affordable health …Federal PolicyHealth & Safety Net -
Fact Sheet
CalFresh Provides Essential Support for Californians Struggling with Poverty
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — known as CalFresh in California — is the state’s most powerful tool to fight hunger. CalFresh provides modest monthly assistance to over 5 million Californians with low incomes to purchase food. While CalFresh participation varies across the state, in nearly three-quarters of congressional districts, over 1 in 10 …Federal PolicyHealth & Safety Net -
5Facts
California’s Safety Net Explained
key takeaway California’s vast wealth contrasts sharply with deep income inequality, leaving over a quarter of residents unable to meet basic needs without safety net support. Strengthening safety net programs is crucial to reducing poverty and ensuring all Californians can thrive. California is home to vast wealth and has the 5th largest economy in the …Health & Safety Net -
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
