Displaying 1-12 of 563 results found
-
Report
H.R. 1 and the Federal Budget: How California Leaders Can Respond to Trump’s Cuts
key takeaway H.R. 1, the harmful Republican mega bill passed in July 2025, will deeply harm Californians by cutting funding for essential programs like health care, food assistance, and education — while providing massive tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations. The spending cuts will disproportionately impact families with low incomes, immigrants, and communities of … ContinuedCalifornia BudgetFederal Policy -
Issue Brief
California’s Persistent Poverty Crisis: 2024 Rates Remain Alarmingly High
key takeaway California’s poverty rate remains among the highest in the nation (17.7%), with children, people of color, and renters most affected. Recent federal actions threaten to worsen these trends, highlighting the urgent need for bold state leadership. California’s poverty rate, at 17.7%, continued to be the highest (alongside Louisiana) in the United States in … ContinuedPoverty & Inequality -
Fact Sheet
Is California a Donor State? Here’s How Much It Pays to the Feds vs. What It Gets Back
Californians typically pay more in federal taxes than the state receives in federal spending each year, making California a “donor state.”1All years in this fact sheet represent federal fiscal years (FFYs), which begin every October 1 and end the following September 30. The data presented in this fact sheet differs from the data included in … ContinuedCalifornia BudgetFederal Policy -
Q&A
Q&A: Preparing for California’s Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA)
key takeaway California’s Behavioral Health Services Act (formerly MHSA) now directs more funding toward behavioral health care, housing, and treatment for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. As counties prepare to implement new integrated plans by 2026, the BHSA will play a critical role in shaping partnerships across the behavioral health and housing continuum. … ContinuedHousing & Homelessness -
Report
How Federal and State Budget Cuts Threaten Latinx Californians
key takeaway Federal budget cuts to essential services threaten to worsen long-standing inequities for Latinx Californians and immigrants, underscoring the urgent need for state leaders to protect communities through stronger investments and fairer tax policies. Access to affordable health care, child care, housing, and food is necessary for all Californians to thrive. However, congressional members … ContinuedPoverty & Inequality -
Fact Sheet
Water’s Edge: Closing the Largest Corporate Tax Loophole in California
Corporate profits have skyrocketed in recent years while workers’ wages have stagnated and families struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living. Despite these disparities, large tax breaks, such as the “Water’s Edge” loophole, remain in place. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump tax cuts and stand to receive … ContinuedCalifornia BudgetTaxes & Revenue -
Issue Brief
Profitable Corporations Can’t Keep Paying Zero in California State Taxes
In California, workers’ wages have stagnated and families struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living, while corporate profits have skyrocketed. Yet many profitable corporations in California pay zero or very little in state taxes year after year. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump tax cuts and are poised … ContinuedCalifornia BudgetTaxes & Revenue -
Fact Sheet
Legal Loopholes: How Corporations Reduce Their California Tax Bill
In California, workers’ wages have stagnated and families struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living, while corporate profits have skyrocketed. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump tax cuts and are poised to receive more benefits from the federal tax and budget bill just enacted by the Trump administration … ContinuedTaxes & Revenue -
Issue Brief
A Graduated Corporate Tax Ensures California’s Most Profitable Corporations Pay Their Fair Share
Corporate profits have soared in recent years, especially among a small share of large corporations. Yet because California does not have a graduated corporate income tax, large corporations pay the same tax rate as smaller ones and often have more resources to exploit tax loopholes. Big corporations have also benefited greatly from the 2017 Trump … ContinuedTaxes & Revenue -
Q&A
Understanding Special Sessions in California
The California Legislature conducts most of its business during regular two-year sessions that begin in early December of even-numbered years. For example, the 2025-26 regular session started on December 2, 2024, and will end on November 30, 2026. These two-year sessions are formally known as “biennial sessions.” From time to time, the governor convenes an … ContinuedBudget Academy -
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 … ContinuedFederal 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, … ContinuedBudget AcademyCalifornia Budget
Page of 47

Want to Better Understand
the State Budget?
The Budget Center’s essential resources for understanding and navigating the California state budget — all in one place.
Explore tools, videos, and expert insights designed to strengthen your advocacy and guide informed decision-making.