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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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 -
Glossary
California State Constitutional Offices Defined
California’s Constitution establishes several statewide offices that oversee the functions, policies, and programs of state government. While the Governor is the most prominent and powerful statewide official, several other constitutional officers have significant authority and responsibilities that affect the day-to-day lives of Californians, including the Attorney General, the Controller, and the Insurance Commissioner. In addition, …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Issue Brief
Republican-Proposed CalFresh Cuts Put Millions of Californians at Risk of Hunger
key takeaway Republican-proposed federal cuts to CalFresh would put millions of Californians at risk of hunger by shifting billions in food assistance costs to the state. These cost-shift proposals could force California to reduce already too-low CalFresh benefits or take assistance away from over a million participants, disproportionately harming children, seniors, veterans, and people with …Federal Policy -
Report
Strengthening the Child Tax Credit to Support Families and Reduce Poverty
key takeaway Expanding the Child Tax Credit would help millions of children thrive by reducing poverty, addressing racial inequities, and ensuring families with the lowest incomes receive the full support they need. All children deserve to grow up with the resources needed to be healthy and thrive. Yet millions of families across California struggle to …Federal Policy
