To browse all LAO publications, visit our Publications page.
May 16, 2001 - The May Revision reports a $5.7 billion deterioration in the state's fiscal condition. This assumes that the General Fund will be reimbursed from revenue bonds for the $7 billion plus it has committed for purchasing electricity. While the Governor's plan would result in a balanced budget in 2001-02, we estimate that the state would likely face a further shortfall of roughly $4 billion in 2002-03.
May 9, 2001 - We estimate that General Fund revenues will be $3.4 billion less than estimated by the Governor for the current and budget years combined. In addition, we discuss the amount of one-time and ongoing spending reductions that would be needed to keep the budget in balance and the fiscal implications of funding Proposition 98 under our updated estimates.
February 26, 2001 - Graphical slide presentation providing an overview of our Analysis of the 2001-02 Budget Bill.
February 21, 2001 - Our annual detailed examination of the Budget Bill based on the Governor's Budget. It includes over 400 findings and recommendations related to education, health and social services, criminal justice, transportation, resources, capital outlay, information technology, and local government.
February 21, 2001 - Our "bottom line" budget estimates are similar to the administration's. Due to uncertainty related to the state's electricity crisis and to the very unsettled national and state economic environment the Legislature should withhold consideration of the Governor's $2.3 billion of one-time proposals outside of the energy area until May.
January 12, 2001 - The Governor released his proposed state budget on January 10th. The budget assumes $2.3 billion less in resources than the $10.3 billion in uncommitted funds we reported in November, primarily reflecting the recent slowing in the national economy. The budget proposal allocates the remaining $8 billion in uncommitted resources to finance increased spending ($5.5 billion, including major new initiatives in the areas of education and energy), cut taxes ($0.1 billion), and provide for a budgetary reserve ($2.4 billion).
December 6, 2000 - The role of the Legislative Analyst's Office is to review state programs and make recommendations to the Legislature as to how the state can operate more effectively and efficiently. While most of our recommendations can be addressed in the annual budget bill, some involve recommended changes in law that require separate legislation. This report summarizes various changes to law that we have recommended in recent years.
November 15, 2000 - California is in the midst of an extraordinary economic and revenue boom. We project that in 2000-01 the State of California's General Fund will end with a reserve of nearly $6.9 billion—up sharply from the $1.8 billion assumed in June when the budget was adopted. In 2001-02, assuming current-law spending and tax policies, we forecast that revenues would exceed expenditures by $3.4 billion, bringing the cumulative reserve to $10.3 billion. We suggest that the $6.9 billion reserve carried into the budget year from 2000-01 be used primarily for one-time purposes; the $3.4 billion annual operating surplus would be available for ongoing purposes.
September 6, 2000 - The 2000-01 Budget Act was signed into law by Governor Davis on June 30, 2000. Together with related implementing legislation, the budget authorizes total spending from all funds of $99.4 billion. This report details the contents of this measure.