California’s Strong Revenue Trends Mask Looming Budget Risk

Jan 23, 2026 - After the dot-com bust and the Great Recession, it took four and five years, respectively, for revenues to recover. Incorporating revenue risk into the budget now, therefore, reflects prudence, not pessimism.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5104

The 2026-27 Budget: Overview of the Governor's Budget

Jan 12, 2026 - Under two voter initiatives, the State Constitution requires the state to set aside a share of revenues for schools and community colleges (Proposition  98, 1988) and debt payments and reserve deposits (Proposition  2, 2014).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5101

The 2026-27 Budget: How to Use One-Time Revenue Improvements

Feb 20, 2026 - Our Revenue Estimates Consistent With $2.5  Billion Upgrade to Budget Bottom Line Compared to January. Our recent revenue post suggests an improvement in revenues of around $5 billion relative to the Governor’s budget estimates.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5133