February 7, 2023 - In this brief, we analyze the Governor’s budget proposals relating to the California State University. We cover proposals relating to core operations, enrollment, and capital outlay budget solutions.
February 21, 2024 - In this brief, we analyze the Governor’s budget proposals relating to community college enrollment, apportionments, and nursing education. In addition, the brief provides a number of recommendations and options to help the Legislature address the large gap between current community college spending and available Proposition 98 funding.
February 28, 2024 - In this brief, we analyze the Governor’s budget proposals for the University of California (UC). We have sections focusing on UC’s core operations and enrollment. We also revisit recent UC one-time initiatives and capital projects the state had funded.
January 31, 2023 - In this brief, we provide an overview and initial analysis of the Governor’s higher education budget plan.
January 30, 2024 - In this brief, we provide an overview and initial analysis of the Governor’s higher education budget plan.
February 20, 2020 - In this report, we analyze the Governor’s higher education budget proposals. Similar to last year, these proposals are wide ranging—including large base increases; targeted increases for apprenticeship programs and food pantries; one-time initiatives relating to extended education programs, work-based learning, faculty diversity, and animal shelters; and many facility projects.
March 5, 2024 - This brief analyzes the Governor’s January budget proposal for the College of the Law, San Francisco (CLSF). The brief first provides background on the law school. It then describes the Governor’s budget proposal and the school’s corresponding plans for 2024‑25. The brief concludes by providing an associated recommendation.
March 20, 2024 - This report evaluates the Governor’s Proposition 2-related debt and liabilities payment proposals.
February 15, 2022 - This brief analyzes the Governor’s budget proposals for the California State University. The brief covers base support, enrollment, foster youth programs, deferred maintenance, and climate-related initiatives.
February 1, 2021 - This report analyzes the Governor’s major budget proposals for the universities, covering base funding, enrollment, students’ basic needs, faculty professional development, and deferred maintenance.
June 24, 2022 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Bargaining Unit 13 (stationary engineers). Bargaining Unit 13 is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 39. This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.
September 1, 2023 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Bargaining Unit 12 (Craft and Maintenance). This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.
August 12, 2022 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding for Bargaining Unit 18 (Psychiatric Technicians). Bargaining Unit 18 is represented by the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians. This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.
October 16, 2023 - This publication provides a preliminary overview of the 2023-24 Budget Act, gives a brief description of how the budget process unfolded, and then highlights major features of the budget.
August 25, 2022 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding for Bargaining Unit 2 (Attorneys and Hearing Officers). Bargaining Unit 2 is represented by the California Attorneys, Administrative Law Judges, and Hearing Officers in State Government (CASE). This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.
November 19, 2014 - The 20th annual edition of the LAO's Fiscal Outlook—a look at possible state revenue and spending trends over the next five years—reflects anticipated progress in building budget reserves under the recently approved Proposition 2. Specifically, absent new budget commitments, we estimate the state would end 2015-16 with $4.2 billion in total reserves, $2 billion of which would result from Proposition 2's new reserve rules. A $4 billion reserve would mark significant progress for the state, but maintaining such a reserve in 2015-16 would mean little or no new spending commitments outside of Proposition 98, the funding formula for schools and community colleges. Our higher General Fund revenue estimates translate to $6.4 billion available in 2015-16 for the state's Proposition 98 priorities. The report also discusses choices facing the state in implementing Proposition 2, such as choices about which budgetary and retirement debts to repay with dedicated Proposition 2 funds over the next 15 years.