Report School Finance By Margaret Weston Nov 14, 2012 There is broad consensus that California's school finance system is inequitable, inadequate, and overly complex. In response to these critiques, this year Governor Jerry Brown proposed an overhaul of our school finance system. Also, two initiatives on the November ballot asked voters to increase education funding through tax increases: voters approved Proposition 30, which was integral to the governor's budget plan, and rejected Proposition 38, a citizens' initiative. Despite the passage of Proposition 30, California faces many school finance challenges. This report provides an overview of the state's school finance system and outlines some longstanding school finance issues that may be in play next year.
Fact Sheet The State-Local Fiscal Relationship By Dean Misczynski, Marisol Cuellar Mejia Oct 27, 2011
blog post More than a Million California Children Rely on CHIP By Shannon McConville Dec 8, 2017 Some 1.3 million Californians age 18 and under—about 13% of the state’s children—rely on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for their health coverage.
blog post America’s College Promise: An Opportunity for California By Kevin Cook May 5, 2016 Proposals to provide free community college have clearly resonated with a broad coalition of voters, policymakers, and advocacy groups.
blog post Video: Homelessness in California’s Cities By Mary Severance Oct 13, 2022 PPIC’s Lande Ajose talks with League of California Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman, Bakersfield mayor Karen Goh, and San Diego mayor Todd Gloria about efforts cities are making to address homelessness and the most pressing challenges ahead.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: COVID-19 Emergency Funding and California’s Higher Education Systems By Jacob Jackson, Kevin Cook, Darriya Starr, Chansonette Buck Nov 16, 2022 Just before the pandemic hit, state funding for higher education was high and increasing, student outcomes were improving, and programs for students in need were robust. COVID-19 sent shocking changes through these educational institutions’ means and methods of operating.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: District Spending of One-Time Funds for Educational Recovery By Julien Lafortune, Laura Hill, Niu Gao, Joseph Herrera ... Jun 28, 2023 States received billions in one-time stimulus funds to help recover from pandemic disruptions to education. California allocated much of its money to districts based on their shares of low-income students, which largely targeted schools with lower achievement levels rather than greater learning loss.
Report Achieving Universal Broadband in California By Joseph Hayes, Niu Gao, Darriya Starr, Amy Gong Liu Mar 29, 2023 In 2021, California invested over $6 billion to expand broadband infrastructure, address affordability, and promote digital literacy. This report examines barriers to installing broadband in underserved communities and offers recommendations as the state aims to close the digital divide.
blog post How the Census Affects State Finances By Patrick Murphy May 29, 2018 The census determines how billions of federal dollars are distributed to the states. California, in particular, has a lot at stake.
Report Federal Formula Grants: Head Start By Tim Ransdell, Shervin Boloorian Oct 10, 2003 This report examines the mechanics of the formulas that determine funding levels for California and other states for Head Start - a program designed primarily to prepare low-income children for elementary school but which also includes prenatal care and coverage for children through age 4. It also analyzes the state-by-state effects of formula-change scenarios.
