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
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Recent posts by Scott Graves
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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. Under the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, many of these services are expected to face significant reductions — in large part to pay …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Report
How California Policies Are Made: Legislative Process Highlights
Table of contents Legislative Process: The Basics The legislative process — also known as the policy bill process — provides a key pathway through the state Legislature for Californians who want to change state law. Each year, members of the state Assembly and Senate collectively introduce thousands of bills that move, partially or all the …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Glossary
State Budget Process and Legislative Process: Key Activities and Deadlines
The most common way for Californians to shape state funding decisions and policy priorities is through the state budget process and the legislative (or policy bill) process. The deadlines for the state budget process are established in California’s Constitution or in state law and rarely change. In contrast, most of the deadlines for the legislative …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget -
Report
Guide to the County Budget Process
This guide describes the county budget process and timeline and looks at the key steps and players in creating county-level spending plans.Budget Academy -
Glossary
California State Budget Terms Defined
What’s the difference between a trailer bill and a policy bill? A surplus and an operating surplus? Special funds and the General Fund? And what exactly is a “Budget Bill Jr.”? Understanding these and other key budget-related terms is critical to navigating the state budget process and effectively engaging decision-makers in order to advocate for …Budget AcademyCalifornia Budget
