Other Government Areas Publications

Recent Changes to State and County IHSS Wage and Benefit Costs

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December 14, 2018 - In this post, we (1) explain how the scheduled state minimum wage increases impact IHSS wages and state and county costs, (2) describe the recent temporary and permanent changes to the state and county cost-sharing structure for IHSS wage and benefit increases, and (3) explain how these changes could impact county wage decisions and costs for the state.

The 2020 Census: Potential Impacts on California

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December 13, 2018 - In this report, we first provide information on what the Census is. Second, we discuss how the Census is conducted—including the steps the federal government has taken to date and what it plans to do over the next few years to conduct the 2020 Census. (We also describe state efforts to supplement these federal activities.) We then discuss the likelihood of an undercount in California in 2020. Finally, we discuss the implications of an undercount for California both in terms of representation in Congress and federal funding.

Cal Facts 2018

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December 6, 2018 - With a state as big, as populous, and as complex as California, quickly summarizing how its economy or state budget works is impossible. Instead, Cal Facts is a visual guide—using a variety of different charts—to the state's economy, revenues, and major program trends.

Evaluation of the Property Tax Postponement Program

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October 8, 2018 - Housing is very expensive in California—in early 2018, the typical California home cost $481,000, roughly double the price of the typical home in the United States. The state offers the Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program to help certain homeowners afford their property taxes and stay in their homes. This report evaluates the advantages and shortcomings of the PTP and offers policy alternatives for legislative consideration.

MOU Fiscal Analysis: Bargaining Unit 10 (Professional Scientists)

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August 28, 2018 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Bargaining Unit 10 (Professional Scientists). Bargaining Unit 10 is represented by the California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS).This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.

MOU Fiscal Analysis: Bargaining Unit 9 (Professional Engineers)

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August 28, 2018 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Bargaining Unit 9 (Professional Engineers). Bargaining Unit 9 is represented by the Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG).This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.

Expands Requirement for Supermajority Approval to Enact New Revenue Measures. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

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June 13, 2018 - Presented To: Assembly Committee on Local Government and Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation

Housing and Homelessness

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May 31, 2018 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee

MOU Fiscal Analysis: Bargaining Unit 6 (Corrections)

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May 30, 2018 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Bargaining Unit 6 (Corrections). Bargaining Unit 6 is represented by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA). This review is pursuant to Section 19829.5 of the Government Code.

The 2018-19 Budget: The May Revision—California State Payroll System

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May 14, 2018 - The 2018-19 May Revision proposes multiyear funding related to the California State Payroll System (CSPS). In this post, we describe and comment on the proposal. We also discuss how the rationale for the payroll system has evolved.

The 2018-19 Budget: The May Revision—Funding to Address Homelessness

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May 12, 2018 - The 2018-19 May Revision proposes a package of actions and funding augmentations aimed at alleviating homelessness. In this post, we describe two major elements of the proposal.

The 2018-19 Budget: Review of Fair Political Practices Commission Budget and Workload

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May 7, 2018 -

At the April 5, 2018 hearing of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee Number 4, the committee directed our office to review the Fair Political Practices Commission’s budget and workload. This online analysis is the product of our review.

Updated 5/10/18:

1. Changes to LAO Assessment to reflect new information regarding FPPC Advice Letter processing time.
2. Addition of paragraphs (e) and (f) to proposed budget bill language.

The 2018-19 Budget: Meeting Workforce Demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in Skilled Nursing Facilities

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April 27, 2018 - In this post, we provide background on new staffing requirements for certified nursing assistants working in skilled nursing facilities, describe the Governor’s proposals to address these new staffing requirements, assess those proposals, and make associated recommendations.

Overview of Proposition 2 in 2018‑19 Budget

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March 15, 2018 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 On State Administration and General Government

The 2018-19 Budget: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

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March 13, 2018 - In this analysis, we assess two proposals for OES included in the Governor’s 2018‑19 budget: (1) the California Earthquake Early Warning (CEEW) system and (2) the California Disaster Assistance Act.