The 2026-27 Budget: Re-Envisioning State Education Governance

Mar 18, 2026 - This  shift would free up the SBE to focus on broader policy issues while making state administrative functions more efficient. Considering Adding Legislative Appointees to the SBE. The Legislature could consider adding two legislative appointees to the SBE.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5165

The 2026-27 Budget: Contract to Achieve Operational Efficiencies

Mar 10, 2026 - However, the administration indicates that the work could have other benefits, such as improving the quality of health care or reducing unnecessarily bureaucratic processes, thereby freeing up staff time to address other workload.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5156

How Have Past Stock Market Downturns Affected Income Tax Revenue? [EconTax Blog]

Mar 9, 2026 - This Time Might Be Different, but It Is Not Safe to Bet on It.   As our office warned last November, it now appears time to take seriously the notion that the stock market has become overheated. While there is a chance that this time is different and no such downturn is forthcoming, the risk appears strong enough that we have incorporated it into the state 's revenue outlook.  
https://lao.ca.gov/LAOEconTax/Article/Detail/852

How Have Past Stock Market Downturns Affected Income Tax Revenue? [EconTax Blog]

Mar 9, 2026 - This Time Might Be Different, but It Is Not Safe to Bet on It.   As our office warned last November, it now appears time to take seriously the notion that the stock market has become overheated. While there is a chance that this time is different and no such downturn is forthcoming, the risk appears strong enough that we have incorporated it into the state 's revenue outlook.  
https://lao.ca.gov/LAOEconTax/article/Detail/852

The 2026-27 Budget: California Community Colleges

Mar 5, 2026 - The one‑time spending will expire in 2027‑28, freeing up funds that could help the state accommodate a possible decrease in the minimum guarantee before having to reduce programs. Under the Governor’s budget, the amount of the cushion is $241 million, equating to 1.7 percent of Proposition 98 spending on the community colleges in 2026‑27.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5150

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposed Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive

Feb 24, 2026 - Additionally, APCF potentially could be used to support some activities currently being funded with GGRF, thereby freeing up those dollars to help fund other priorities. ZEV Proposal Does Not Meet High Bar for New Expenditures.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5140

The 2026-27 Budget: CDTFA’s Cannabis and Tobacco Programs

Feb 23, 2026 - This program is a key element of the Master Settlement Agreement that California and 45 other states reached with the four largest cigarette manufacturers in 1998. The California Electronic Cigarette Excise Tax Program administers a 12.5  percent tax on retail sales of e ‑cigarettes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5132

The 2026-27 Budget: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 23, 2026 - Receiver Has Greater Authority Than Special Master. The establishment of the mental health Receivership led to the dissolution of the Special Master. The Receiver differs from the Special Master in that a Receiver has direct executive authority and acts in place of the Secretary of CDCR in regard to the management of prison mental health.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

The 2026-27 Budget: K-12 Proposals

Feb 19, 2026 - Frees Up Current Funding for Extension Grants. Trailer legislation proposes to free up the $485  million allocated in prior budgets that is set aside for the two ‑year extension grants. Current community schools grantees would no longer be required to submit requests for extensions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5131

The 2026-27 Budget: Framework for Approaching the Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Agriculture Budget

Feb 10, 2026 - Moreover, the state already funds a number of other free state parks pass programs, including for lower ‑income residents who may face more barriers to access. California Air Resources Board (CARB): Zero ‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Incentive Program.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116