Budget Reform

Governor’s budget is good news not because it’s bigger–but because it’s better
 150 150 Lenny Mendonca and Pete Weber
By:

Spending plan takes a forward-looking approach to spending surging revenues, smartly making one-time investments for the long term rather than making all-around increases that will have to be cut next recession.

read more
Lenny Mendonca and Doug Henton: California must invest now in education and infrastructure
 150 150 Lenny Mendonca and Doug Henton
By:

California has an opportunity to build for long-term prosperity with smart investments in schools, workforce development and infrastructure.

read more
Part 5: Spend unexpected revenues in ways that will make money in lean times
 150 150 Lenny Mendonca and Pete Weber
By:

Four ways California can provide itself some cover for the next economic downturn and not repeat the budgetary mistakes of the past

read more
Part 4: Spend growing revenues on reducing growing cost drivers
 150 150 Fred Silva
By:

As increased revenues roll in, budgetmakers must keep in mind long-term pension and health care obligations that will continue to take up more and more precious resources for years to come.

read more
Part 3: Budget rules will drive where much of the extra money goes–but not how it will be spent
 150 150 Fred Silva
By:

Even if most of this year’s revenue windfall does go to California schools and the rainy day fund, the conversation should not be over. Part 3 in our “Boom, Bust, Repeat?” series.

read more
Part 2: This is a boom, and it should be treated as a boom
 150 150 Fred Silva
By:

…some of which will go bust. Next story in series covers some California history that shows why the state needs to smartly prepare the budget for the next recession.

read more
Part 1: Revenues may be rolling in but state budget must heed lessons of past
 150 150 Lenny Mendonca and Pete Weber
By:

Boom, Bust, Repeat? – New series from CA Fwd explores how the state can smartly manage recent revenue gains to strengthen public programs for the long term.

read more
Wait… What? Agency advising Governor on payments to counties proposes moving to VBM to save money
 150 150 Doug Chapin
By:

The State of California, like some other states, has an “unfunded mandate” law that requires the state to make money available for new legislation that imposes costs on counties. In practice, those mandates can be “suspended” for budgetary reasons, leaving localities holding the bag on costs.

read more