California Budget
California State Budget Advocacy
Often referred to as a statement of our values, the budget is a reflection of what elected officials prioritize on behalf of their constituents. This plan authorizes spending for critical services like education, healthcare, climate resilience and disaster response, and social safety nets and revenue-raising streams to support public spending.
The state budget is a financial plan proposed by the governor and officiated by the legislature. Similar to any law that must pass through the legislature, the budget is a bill that can be influenced through policy advocacy. After the Governor’s proposed budget is announced, members of the public can advocate for adjustments to line items by advocating to the Assembly and Senate subcommittees before the May Revision. Through legislative meetings, budget letters to legislators, and policy education, philanthropy has the opportunity to advocate for a budget that reflects community needs and centers social justice and racial equity.
State Budget Timeline
Deadline for the Governor to Release Initial Budget Proposal
The state legislature then begins its process to review the governor’s proposal and develop its own budget recommendations. Philanthropy California engages legislators after the release of the Governor’s proposed budget to advocate for equitable adjustments ahead of the May budget revision during Philanthropy in Sacramento Day.
Deadline for the May Revision Release by the Governor
Often referred to as the May Revision, the Governor must publish a revised budget proposal by mid-May.
Deadline for the California Legislature to Pass the Budget Bill
Legislators can pass trailer bills and budget bill juniors, which modify the original budget bill, after this date.
Budget Bill Package Negotiated between Governor and Legislative Leadership
Ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, the legislature will work with the governor to pass a reconciled budget package and amendments to the original budget bill.
Budget Bill Revisions Continue and Planning for the Next Fiscal Year’s Budget Priorities
Leadership will present revisions to the budget package they passed and pass other trailer bills. The Office of Governor starts work to prepare its budget proposal for the subsequent fiscal year, which begins July 1. Legislators begin to outline their budget policy priorities for the next year.
Advocating for an Equitable Budget
There are many ways philanthropy can engage in budget advocacy, depending on their lobbying guidelines, to shape a state budget plan that works for all Californians. Foundations are uniquely positioned to bring together networks of funders, nonprofits, and individuals to create a united front, while also holding expertise that can be crucial for providing information for budget amendments. While there are many opportunities within the budget process for foundations to influence the final outcome, they can especially influence changes to the January proposals by attending legislative subcommittee hearings, putting out calls to action, and educating legislators and community members on matters relevant to philanthropy. Building relationships with legislators is key for effective budget advocacy, and funders should consider year-round relationship building with their representatives to build bridges for collaboration.
Other ways for funders to engage in Budget Advocacy:
- Learn about budget subcommittees in the Assembly and Senate and get familiar with leadership priorities for both houses of the legislature
- Support community organizations engaging in the state budget process and meet with policymakers to help inform how the budget impacts communities directly.
- Serve as a convener for community based organizations and legislators to connect and align budget priorities and provide a united voice for a larger impact.
- Leveraging your organization’s unique voice and platform to uplift the need for adjustments that ensure California’s wealthiest individuals and corporations contribute their fair share to a balanced budget.
Why Government Budgets Matter for Philanthropy
Government and philanthropic organizations are long-standing partners in solving many of the nation’s most challenging issues. Public funding at all levels of government is crucial for the sustainability of many nonprofits and social support systems, while philanthropic funding supplements government funds when they may be too restrictive or don’t meet the extent of nonprofit expenses. Because of this mutual investment in the success of community-based organizations, foundations should pay close attention to the California budget to ensure that the state is allocating funds to where they are needed most and in a way that promotes equitable access and community wellbeing.