Dollars and Democracy: An Introduction to the State Budget Process

This First Look analysis outlines key pieces of the 2023-24 California budget proposal, and explores how the governor prioritized spending and determined cuts amid the first budget shortfall of his tenure.

Every year, California’s governor and Legislature adopt a state budget that provides a framework and funding for critical public services and systems — from child care and health care to housing and transportation to colleges and K-12 schools. But the state budget is about more than dollars and cents. The budget expresses our values as … Continued