Report Funding the Medi-Cal Program By Caroline Danielson, Shannon McConville, Paul Warren Mar 30, 2017 Medi-Cal—a key source of health insurance in California—faced fiscal challenges even before the November 2016 election threw federal health care policy into question. State policymakers looking at funding options need to consider both the larger budgetary context and the fiscal soundness of potential revenue sources. This research was supported with funding from the California Health Care Foundation.
Report Factors and Future Projections for K–12 Declining Enrollment By Julien Lafortune, Emmanuel Prunty Dec 11, 2023 Over the past five years, enrollment has fallen in nearly three-quarters of California school districts, and the trend is expected to continue into the next decade. Faster declines could bring pressure to close schools, along with concerns about the students and neighborhoods bearing the costs of downsizing.
Report Balancing Budgets and Need during Recessions: California’s Safety Net Programs By Patrick Murphy, Caroline Danielson, Shannon McConville, Jennifer Paluch Dec 2, 2019 During economic downturns, the state faces falling revenues and rising demand for safety net programs. In the last recession, California cut programs significantly. Next time, what steps can policymakers take to support those in need, while still balancing the budget?
blog post Budgeting for Agricultural Sustainability and Resiliency By Lori Pottinger Jan 27, 2021 We talked to Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, about agricultural programs designed to build climate resilience and support farmers’ financial resilience and water security.
blog post Commentary: State Universities Are in a Budgetary Bind By Hans Johnson Apr 12, 2016 Faced with periodic budget crises, competing priorities, and difficulty in raising additional revenue, almost all the states have reduced their funding for higher education over the past couple decades.
blog post Tax Increases and Voter Distrust By Mark Baldassare Jul 7, 2015 Lawmakers and advocates are considering several new taxes for Californians. What do voters think about these plans?
blog post The Importance of California’s Tax Ranking By Mark Baldassare Apr 7, 2015 A growing share of likely voters say that California’s state and local tax burden is "near the top” compared to other states.
blog post More Students Than Ever Ready for UC and CSU By Jacob Jackson, Hans Johnson Feb 5, 2019 More students than ever in California are graduating from high school having completed college prep coursework, but can UC and CSU accommodate them?