Dollars and Democracy: An Introduction to the State Budget Process

related content Introduction Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2025-26 California state budget on January 10, projecting a small positive balance of $363 million after two years of state budget deficits. The governor’s proposal projects $16.5 billion in additional revenue compared to estimates from last June and would draw down $7.1 billion in reserves. The … Continued

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 … Continued