State budgets are a reflection of our collective moral values, an illustration of our priorities. Our choices about what to fund are based on what we think are the most vital and essential services for our State. Budgets also address how we raise funds, and from who. Through the budget we realize the projects, services, infrastructure, and initiatives that help us live our best lives.

How do we arrive at this balancing act each year? 

And how do we let our legislators know what we care about, so they can prioritize those investments?

Understanding the California budget process is a first step towards weighing in on those collective priorities. While some of the process remains a little opaque as legislators negotiate, there are plenty of places for citizens to be actively involved, and our voices matter a great deal in this process.

How much? You may think it matters very little. However, when legislative staff were asked what influences an “undecided” lawmaker, 94% said “in-person issue visits from constituents” would have some or a lot of influence and 92% said “individualized email messages” from constituents would.” This is a lot of power in the hands of the people! So let’s get to it!

The budgeting process happens every year (which means it's never too late to get involved!).

While the timeline seems relatively straightforward, from the Governor’s first budget proposal in January, through a period of negotiation, to the vote by the legislature by June 15th, there is a great middle over several months when new bills with new price tags are proposed, and discussions, debates, and deliberations ensue as the legislature attempts to view the document and the State’s needs as holistically as possible. It is in this multi-month period when citizens’ voices matter the most.

It’s during this period that legislators decide which bills will get heard and which will not. Discussion ensues! Are there similar bills being proposed? Was something a priority last year that this year needs to take a back seat? Is there an issue that suddenly takes precedence? Does the state's economy give them less to work for than they originally thought? Does it turn out that someone’s pet idea is actually very unpopular with constituents? This is your time to weigh in as an advocate with CAA.

In May, the governor issues a revised budget. At this point, 3 members from the Senate and 3 from the Assembly get together to align the various proposals and prepare a budget which the whole Legislature then votes on. 

It must be decided by June 15th, or the legislators stop getting paid. However, even after this point, adjustments are being worked out through the summer and into the fall, with budget trailer bills that can go through mid September. This is yet another portion where speaking up for or against different measures matters a great deal, as the governor will need to sign these trailer bills to get them into effect.

….and the process begins all over again.