Nishi Nair (she/her/hers)
Research Associate
Nishi Nair, Research Associate, conducts research on various topics, including justice system reform, gender equity, and economic security. Her work aims to understand how public programs can serve the needs of their communities more efficiently, identify gaps in their objectives, and propose solutions to strengthen them.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2024, Nishi received bachelor’s degrees in sociology and economics from the University of California, Davis, with a focus on social work and public policy. During her time there, she also completed an Honors Research Thesis where she analyzed the budgetary shifts in the supplemental income program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), over a 20-year period.
In her free time, Nishi enjoys watching documentaries about sports, wildlife, food, and true crime. She also spends her free time baking, reading, playing tennis, and going to stand up comedy shows!
Recent posts by Nishi Nair
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Fact Sheet
Federal Funds Drive One-Third of California’s State Budget
Federal dollars support a wide array of public services and systems that touch the lives of all Californians — from health care and food assistance to child care and public schools. Some of these services face unprecedented cuts under the Republican-passed budget bill that President Trump signed in July. These federal reductions target vital services …Federal Policy -
Report
Understanding Realignment: California’s Shifts in State and County Responsibilities
Overview of This Report Every year, California’s 58 counties — under state oversight — deliver essential public services that support Californians’ well-being, keep communities healthy and safe, and protect vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. These programs are funded with a broad range of revenues, including federal dollars, local county taxes, …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Issue Brief
Human Impact: Federal Proposals Would Cause Widespread Harm
key takeaway Federal budget proposals threaten to cut funding for essential programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, trading away Californians’ health care and food security to fund massive tax breaks for the wealthy — with devastating consequences for millions of families across the state. All Californians deserve access to resources that allow them the opportunity to …Federal PolicyHealth & Safety Net -
Report
Equity on the Line: The Dangerous Cost of Cutting Support for Black Women
key takeaway Black women have helped propel California into becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world, yet Congressional proposals to cut essential programs like health coverage and nutrition assistance would disproportionately harm them. These cuts compound the systemic racism, economic inequality, and generational trauma Black women in California already face. Access to affordable health care, …Federal PolicyPoverty & Inequality -
Q&A
Deportations and Immigration Limits Threaten California Families, Economy
key takeaway Federal deportation policies and restrictions on immigration are not only tearing apart California families but also threatening the state’s economic vitality, workforce stability, and access to essential services like food, housing, and care. California is home to the largest share of immigrants in the United States. Immigrants are an integral part of California’s …Federal Policy
