California Budget & Policy Center

As we approach Election Day on November 5th, we want to share two valuable resources to help you better understand key measures that could impact the lives of Californians. ☑️ Understanding Proposition 35 This report breaks down how Prop. 35 could affect Californians — particularly regarding Medi-Cal and other state budget priorities — and how this measure could impact health care and state funding. ⚡ Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8CDxCJS ☑️ Understanding Proposition 36 Prop. 36 could have significant implications for California’s finances. Our analysis outlines the facts and considerations for this measure and what it means for communities across the state. ⚡ Explore our analysis: https://lnkd.in/gaYBSaQP By understanding the impacts of state policies and budget decisions, we can create meaningful change in California.

NEW: Medi-Cal Expansion Boosts Health for Undocumented Californians This year, California became the first state in the nation to expand comprehensive Medi-Cal coverage to all eligible Californians, regardless of immigration status. How can policymakers continue to improve health for Californians? ⚡ Our experts Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto, MPH and Monica Saucedo, PhD share more in our latest. https://lnkd.in/g3qEuqe2

🚨 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE! 🚨 Visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to check your voter status.

NEW: California Passed Prop. 1: What’s Next for Behavioral Health System Reform? Our latest report explores the potential shifts in services, funding, and housing that could impact the future of behavioral health care across the state. ⚡ Read more from Monica Davalos, MPPA and Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto, MPH. https://lnkd.in/gzGP74Jp

We’re thrilled to see our own Hannah Orbach-Mandel recognized as one of Capitol Weekly’s Rising Stars! 🌟 "She doesn’t know where the future will lead her, but she is certain that analyzing data and creating tools such as the Women’s Well-Being Index to provide meaningful insights to the public is where her strengths and her passions lie. “I’m excited to make meaning from that and hear from people about what they have questions about,” says Orbach-Mandel. “Right now, I’m passionate about gender equity and I think this tool is a perfect example of that.” Congratulations, Hannah, on this well-deserved recognition! ⚡ Read more about her journey here: https://lnkd.in/gGbseMkP

ICYMI: Our budget expert Scott Graves shared key insights on the impact of the state budget on health care during Capitol Weekly's Health Care in California conference. ⚡ Watch the full panel discussion here: https://lnkd.in/dsBx5Yhm

NEW: California holds the distinction of the worst wage gap between Latinas and white men in the nation. The longer these disparities persist, the more Latinas and their families are pushed further into poverty. ⚡ Read more in our latest.

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a critical support for California workers and the economy. UI benefits helped millions of California workers and their families during the worst days of the pandemic and remain essential for those who lose their jobs, even during periods of economic growth like today. However, California’s UI benefits are too low and exclude too many workers. Benefits have not been raised in nearly two decades and are lower than in neighboring states, despite California’s high cost of living. Additionally, more than 1 million undocumented workers and other groups are completely shut out of UI benefits. Modernizing UI will help create a stronger, more inclusive system that benefits all California workers. ⚡️We share more in our latest with National Employment Law Project. https://lnkd.in/g7PuHEhw

Meet Emma Carmody, Development Strategist at the Budget Center! Our Q&A with Emma explores her recent efforts to build and cultivate philanthropic relationships with institutional and individual funders dedicated to creating a more equitable California. "This work often involves collaborating with our analyst colleagues, which gives me more insight into public policy. I love learning from them and understanding where we align with potential funders." ⚡ Read more about Emma's story and the impactful work she's doing at the Budget Center.

Women in California continue to experience significant gender disparities, particularly in employment, earnings, and political representation, with women of color facing the most severe inequalities. While women have achieved some progress over time in certain areas, some women’s issues have worsened over time. State leaders need to address the persistent regional disparities in well-being, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all women. To improve health and economic security for women, especially those from marginalized communities, California must implement systemic reforms that address the declining trends in prenatal care, mental health, and economic support. ⚡ Explore more in our latest iteration of the Women's Well-Being Index: https://lnkd.in/gUFkAdJF