The Salton Sea: A Status Update

August 29, 2018

The Salton Sea is California’s largest inland lake, located in Riverside and Imperial Counties. In this report, we discuss the changing conditions in and around the Sea, their statewide importance, and the Legislature’s role in overseeing projects to reduce potential negative effects on public health and wildlife.

Improving California's
Forest and Watershed Management

April 5, 2018

Provides background information on California’s forests; highlights shortcomings in the state's management approach and recommends actions the Legislature could take to improve the health of forests and watersheds across the state.

Related Content: Fact Sheet

Building Reserves to Prepare for a Recession

March 7, 2018

Provides an overview of revenue losses in past recessions; compares the Governor's reserve proposal for 2018-19 to past reserves and other states; presents a framework the Legislature can use to plan for a recession; concludes with alternatives for legislative consideration.

The 2018-19 Budget

Criminal Justice Proposals

February 27, 2018

Assesses many of the Governor’s budget proposals in the judicial and criminal justice area and recommends various changes; provides a complete listing of recommendations at the end of the report.

The 2018-19 Budget

Analysis of the Health and Human Services Budget

February 16, 2018

Provides a broad overview of the Governor's health and human services budget, highlighting major year-over-year changes, then provides a more in-depth analysis of select programmatic areas.

The 2018-19 Budget

Higher Education Analysis

February 15, 2018

Analyzes the Governor’s 2018-19 higher education budget proposals.

For additional analyses of the Governor's 2018-19 higher education budget proposals, read our companion briefs on adult education, Hastings College of the Law, and the California Education Learning Lab.

The 2018-19 Budget

Resources and Environmental Protection

February 14, 2018

Assesses many of the Governor’s 2018-19 budget proposals in the resources and environmental protection areas and recommends various changes.

Improving Outcomes for California Conservation Corpsmembers

February 9, 2018

Recommends steps for the Legislature to improve outcome measurements for corpsmembers and improve the overall performance of the department.

The 2018-19 Budget

Transportation Proposals

February 8, 2018

Assesses the Governor's major 2018-19 transportation budget proposals for various departments and programs.

The 2018-19 Budget

Proposition 98 Education Analysis

February 7, 2018

Analyzes the Governor’s overall Proposition 98 budget package as well as his specific spending proposals for K‑12 education and early education.

Sequestering Savings From the Closure of Developmental Centers

January 31, 2018

Provides brief background information about Developmental Center (DC) closures and the Department of Developmental Services budget, discusses potential savings in terms of net operational savings and increased revenues from the sale or repurposing of DC properties, and addresses other practical implications and trade‑offs of the proposal.

The Potential Effects of Ending the SSI Cash-Out

January 8, 2018

As directed by the Supplemental Report of the 2017-18 Budget Act, describes the potential effects of ending California's SSI cash‑out and discusses issues that merit legislative consideration.

State Archives:
Limited Space for a Growing Collection

January 8, 2018

Describes the State Archives' current capacity and discusses alternatives to address limited space; recommends the Legislature determine a course of action and then direct the administration to report on the costs and benefits of potential options for the selected alternative.

Evaluating California's System for Serving Infants and Toddlers With Special Needs

January 4, 2018

Provides background on California’s early intervention system, assesses the system, and concludes by recommending several ways to improve the system.

California Community Colleges:
Interim Evaluation of Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program

December 19, 2017

Pursuant to Chapter 747 of 2014 (SB 850, Block), provides an interim evaluation of the California Community Colleges bachelor's degree pilot program.

Cap-and-Trade Extension:
Issues for Legislative Oversight

December 12, 2017

Provides background information on cap‑and‑trade and the recent extension to 2030; identifies key administrative implementation decisions that could affect program outcomes; identifies potential opportunities to increase the effectiveness of a new advisory committee created by AB 398; and describes potential state cap‑and‑trade revenue scenarios through 2030.

Evaluation of the Statewide Project Management Office

December 7, 2017

Provides background regarding the objectives and operations of the Project Management Office (PMO); details our findings in evaluating the PMO; introduces two significant recent developments and their impacts on the PMO; and makes associated recommendations on how the Legislature should proceed to better align the office with the original legislative intent.

Improving In-Prison Rehabilitation Programs

December 6, 2017

Provides background information on the state’s in-prison rehabilitation programs: outlines key program principles for maximizing reductions in recidivism; identifies key shortcomings in the state’s rehabilitation programs; and makes recommendations to improve how the state provides in-prison rehabilitation programs.

Evaluating California’s Pursuit of Zero Net Energy State Buildings

November 14, 2017

Provides background information on Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings as well as the administration’s approach to meeting goals for state‑owned ZNE buildings; assesses the administration’s approach to these buildings; and recommends Legislature adopt its own policies related to ZNE for state buildings.

California Economy & Taxes

Industry Wage Growth in California Video

November 8, 2017

In this companion video to Industry Wage Growth in California, we illustrate the trends in wages in California industries between 1990 and 2016.