Scott Graves (he/him/his)
Budget Director
Scott Graves, Budget Director, analyzes health and justice system policies and leads the organization’s work on state and local budget processes. On health policy, Scott’s work aims to ensure that Californians have equitable access to quality, affordable care. His justice system work highlights ongoing racial disparities and the human and fiscal costs of California’s overreliance on incarceration. Scott’s work on budget processes aims to give Californians the tools they need to effectively engage decision makers and advocate for fair and just policy choices. Previously, Scott covered safety net programs, housing, and early care and education for the Budget Center.
Before joining the Budget Center in 2002, Scott was a researcher for the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute, Consumers Union, and the University of Texas at Austin’s Public Policy Clinic. He also was a newspaper reporter in California, a Pulliam journalism fellow, and a California executive fellow. Scott holds a Ph.D. in political science from UT Austin and a bachelor’s degree in government and journalism from California State University, Sacramento. His undergraduate work included a year at the University of Bristol in England, focused on politics and international relations.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Scott is an advocate for educational equity in his daughter’s school district. Outside of the office, you can find him listening to Mexican music and planning his next trip to the Eastern Sierra.
meet the expert: Scott graves
Read more about Scott's story and the work he's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Scott Graves
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Report
California’s State Budget Reserves Explained
How much money is in California's state budget reserves? When can the funds be withdrawn? How can the funds be used by the state?California Budget -
Report
Understanding Proposition 36
Why Prop. 36 Fails Californians: Escalating Costs, Deepening Disparities, and Ineffective SolutionsBallot PropositionsJustice System -
Data Hit
Crime in California Remains Well Below Historical Peaks
Contrary to national trends, crime rates in California remain well below the peaks of the past five decades.Justice System -
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 -
Update
What Happens After the May Revision is Released?
The California budget process moves quickly after the governor releases the “May Revision” in mid-May. This revised budget proposal opens a crucial window for public engagement, but the tight timeline can make advocating for your priorities challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages: The June package isn’t the end of the story. In August, …California Budget