Fact Sheet California’s Prison Population By Heather Harris, Sean Cremin Sep 12, 2024 After falling sharply in the first year of the pandemic, California’s prison population is now at a 30-year low. Meanwhile, the average annual cost of imprisoning a person has risen almost 50% since 2019. Most people in California prisons have been convicted of violent crimes; some racial groups are imprisoned at disproportionate rates.
Report Learning from CalFresh Pandemic Boosts By Tess Thorman, Patricia Malagon, Caroline Danielson Aug 26, 2024 Emergency allotments increased CalFresh benefits during the pandemic, although the lowest-income households did not see an initial boost. Examining how this pandemic aid affected household resources, work decisions, and participant retention can offer insights into crafting a CalFresh response for the next economic downturn—and improving the program in the near term.
Report Pathways to College Completion in the San Joaquin Valley By Hans Johnson, Olga Rodriguez, Cesar Alesi Perez, Marisol Cuellar Mejia Aug 14, 2024 California’s San Joaquin Valley has the lowest college enrollment and completion rates in the state. Yet with its youthful, diverse, growing population; expanding economy; and robust regional networks, dramatic improvements are possible. A new report details how institutions, educators, and policymakers can build on current college-going pathways.
blog post Video: How Community Colleges Spent Pandemic Relief Funds and What’s Next By Stephanie Barton Jul 15, 2024 The federal government provided significant funding—including almost $25 billion for community colleges—to help higher education institutions and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from the Community College Research Center and PPIC, along with an expert panel, discuss how community colleges used this support and how these institutions are adapting as these emergency funds expire.
Report California Prison Programs and Reentry Pathways By Heather Harris, Brandon Martin, Sean Cremin Jun 26, 2024 In recent years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has expanded programs that support community reintegration. But participation has been low. A new report details the rehabilitative needs of people in prison, CDCR efforts to expand programs to meet those needs, and factors that may affect participation.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Drought and Groundwater Sustainability in California’s Farming Regions By Spencer Cole, Ellen Hanak, Alvar Escriva-Bou, Josué Medellín-Azuara Jun 24, 2024 As the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act approaches its tenth anniversary, it’s clear that California is making progress towards implementation—but the 2020–22 drought shows that much work still lies ahead.
