Explainer Making Sense of California’s Economy By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Julien Lafortune, Vicki Hsieh Jan 16, 2024 We take a look at where California's economy has been, where it might be headed, and how we can better insulate Californians against future upheavals.
event A Conversation with California’s Public Higher Education Leaders Dec 1, 2023 How can California’s higher education system efficiently and effectively prepare a broad range of students to meet the challenges of the future? Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with the leaders of California’s public systems—Michael V. Drake, president, University of California; Mildred García, chancellor, California State University; and Aisha N. Lowe, executive vice chancellor, California Community Colleges.
Fact Sheet Financing California’s Public Schools By Julien Lafortune Nov 29, 2023 K–12 funding has been at record-high levels in recent years, and California’s per student spending is now slightly above the national average. Spending is higher for low-income students, English Learners, and foster youth. However, enrollment declines, rising costs, and the expiration of pandemic funding pose fiscal challenges for school districts.
Report Understanding the Reach of the California Earned Income Tax Credit By Tess Thorman Nov 13, 2023 State-designed and -funded tax credits for low-income families are a small but growing part of California’s anti-poverty portfolio. As policymakers explore ways to refine, increase, and supplement the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), they could benefit from knowing more about where and when the CalEITC and similar credits are claimed.
Report Tracking Progress in Community College Access and Success By Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Cesar Alesi Perez, Sidronio Jacobo, Fernando Garcia Oct 30, 2023 In 2019, a landmark reform removed barriers for community college students in accessing transfer-level math and English courses. While more students are now completing these key early milestones for transfer, additional efforts are needed to address persistent racial equity gaps and promote students’ longer-term success.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas Sep 26, 2023 PPIC's latest survey finds that almost nine in ten Californians believe there is a mental health crisis in the US. Also, most Californians are now less comfortable making a major purchase like a home or a car compared to six months ago.
Report Examining the Reach of Targeted School Funding By Julien Lafortune, Joseph Herrera, Niu Gao Sep 6, 2023 Under California’s ten-year-old funding formula, districts with higher shares of high-need students receive additional dollars on top of base funding. Districts have flexibility around spending these funds, but when money is not fully directed to the intended students and schools, the impact on achievement gaps is diluted.
blog post After a Three-Year Hiatus, Californians Will Resume Student Loan Payments Soon By Jacob Jackson Aug 2, 2023 The US Supreme Court recently ruled against the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan, while a pandemic-era freeze on payments and interest accrual ends in the coming months. What does this mean for the nearly 4 million Californians with federal student loan debt?