There are $20.6 billion reasons why advocates should work the California budget process
The state is estimating another year of historic budget surplus. There is no better time for advocates to claim some of these resources to empower local communities.
Governor Newsom released his proposed state budget for FY 22-23 and it is something to behold.
The state is estimating another year of historic budget surplus - $45.7 billion to be exact. Of that amount $20.6 billion is regarded as discretionary, meaning there are no strings attached.
According to the Sac Bee, “California is Swimming in Money”.
There is no better time for advocates to claim some of these resources to invest in local communities.
So they can not only recover but thrive.
Unfortunately, budget advocacy is notoriously complex and challenging.
To help you better understand the process,
I created an “Introduction to California Budget Advocacy” presentation for advocates.
Contact me for a free copy.
Here’s a list of additional resources I’ve found super helpful:
o “The Budget Process: A Citizen’s Guide to Participation” from the California Senate
o “Dollars and Democracy: A Guide to the State Budget Process” from the California Budget and Policy Center
o “Dollars and Democracy: Understanding How the State Budget Process Relates to the Policy Bill Process” also from the California Budget and Policy Center
o CA Department of Finance Budget Process Overview and Glossary of Accounting and Budget Terms
o Assembly Budget Committee and Assembly Budget Subcommittees
o Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review and Senate Budget Subcommittees
This list is by no means exhaustive! If you have any other resources to recommend let me know in the comments below.