Report Understanding the Effects of School Funding By Julien Lafortune May 18, 2022 Funding for California’s K–12 public schools has reached record highs, but gaps in student outcomes remain. Understanding the benefits of additional funds, and how to distribute those funds, are key concerns for policymakers. This report offers insights from a robust body of research on the extent to which higher spending improves outcomes.
blog post How the Census Affects State Finances By Patrick Murphy May 29, 2018 The census determines how billions of federal dollars are distributed to the states. California, in particular, has a lot at stake.
blog post Governor’s Budget Banks on Voters Passing Water Bond By Caitrin Chappelle, Henry McCann Feb 7, 2018 To pay for most of the water initiatives in his proposed budget, the governor is banking on voters approving a $4 billion parks and water bond.
Report Equitable State Funding for School Facilities By Julien Lafortune, Niu Gao Mar 14, 2022 Most funding for California’s K–12 facilities comes from local tax revenues, which depend on property wealth. State funding could potentially address wealth disparities, but it has disproportionately benefited more-affluent districts. Policymakers should prioritize equity in facility funding so that all students have access to safe and effective learning environments.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: California’s Higher Education Funding Landscape By Kevin Cook, Jacob Jackson, Iwunze Ugo, Chansonette Buck May 15, 2024 As California looks to establish a more stable post-pandemic funding model for postsecondary institutions, significant challenges lie ahead. Multiple factors could contribute to reduced state revenues and greater reliance on tuition especially for four-year colleges, making costs higher for students.
blog post As a Pandemic Medi-Cal Policy Ends, Some Californians Will Fall through the Cracks By Paulette Cha Mar 1, 2023 On April 1, officials restarted regular Medi-Cal eligibility reviews that had been paused during the pandemic. While this change will reduce state General Fund spending on Medi-Cal, it will also result in some still-eligible individuals being disenrolled from the program.
blog post Expanding Enrollment at UC and CSU By Kevin Cook, Hans Johnson May 23, 2019 Governor Newsom’s proposed state budget supports increased enrollment in California’s public universities, but a long-term funding plan could help ensure that UC and CSU meet student demand and the state’s needs.
blog post Will the Governor’s Budget Reduce the Heat on School Districts? By Patrick Murphy, Julien Lafortune, Radhika Mehlotra Jan 28, 2019 Governor Newsom's proposed budget calls for a one-time $3 billion payment to the main teacher retirement system, but is it enough to relieve financial pressure on California's schools?
Fact Sheet The Medi-Cal Program By Shannon McConville, Paulette Cha Apr 8, 2019 Medi-Cal is a state-federal program that provides 12 million low-income Californians with comprehensive health insurance.
blog post The Governor’s Revised Budget Targets Tuition at UC and CSU By Kevin Cook Jun 1, 2018 Funding for UC and CSU remains unchanged in Governor Brown’s revised May budget, with both short- and long-term implications for the school systems and California’s economy.
