California Forward
The California State Constitution requires that the Legislature approve a budget by June 15 of each year, 15 days before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. But over time, the budget has increasingly been enacted past this date.
read moreThis measure would create a new, stable funding stream for California state parks and wildlife programs, which have received declining amounts of financial support in recent years.
read moreWhen I retired as Governor Schwarzenegger’s Director of Finance at the end of last year, I decided that I wanted to remain involved in state policy, especially surrounding our troubled budget.
read moreThe notion that California is the place to “invent the American dream” may have been conjured up by real estate hucksters, but Californians largely accepted this romantic ideal during the 20th Century, thanks not only to the Mamas and the Papas and scores of other Hollywood musicians and movie-makers, but to the Progressive leaders who created a ballot initiative process that gives voters enough clout to act like a Fourth branch of government.
read moreOn Tuesday, California Forward announced the launch of its important campaign to engage with people across the state, encouraging them to share their thoughts about budget reform.
read moreYesterday, in a letter to legislative leaders, State Controller John Chiang, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Director of Finance Ana Matosantos announced they will be deferring $2.5 billion in payments to schools and $400 million to counties.
read more$2,190,870,000.00 That’s the amount in unpaid bills the state will accrue if it does not enact a budget by the end of this month, according to State Controller John Chiang.
read moreWith reform-watchers having this Friday the 13th circled on their calendars, all eyes will be on budget talks in the Legislature.
read moreOver a month and a half past the constitutional deadline to enact a budget, only $4 billion is separating Republicans and Democrats in their negotiations. Only.
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