Fixing Unemployment Insurance

Dec 2, 2024 - In this report, we: (1)  present the evidence showing that the state ’s UI financing system is broken; (2)  detail how chronic insolvency in the current system undermines some of the program ’s core objectives; and (3)  recommend a path forward with a simpler, balanced, and flexible UI financing system.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4943

Fixing Unemployment Insurance [Publication Details]

Dec 2, 2024 - The state’s UI program financing system is broken. Benefits now routinely outpace incoming tax contributions, leading to a costly reliance on federal loans and constraining the state’s options to improve the program.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/4943

CalFacts 2024 [Publication Details]

Dec 2, 2024 - CalFacts presents a wide range of facts and trends about the state's economy, finances, and programs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/4942

The 2025-26 Budget: Update on Implementation of New Firearm and Ammunition Tax

Feb 19, 2025 - Chapter  231 directed the Director of the Department of Finance to transfer $2.4  million from the General Fund to CDTFA as a loan to implement this new tax. Chapter  231 also requires that the loan be repaid with collected excise tax revenues, prior to any of the expenditures from the new GVPSS Fund. 2024-25 Budget Package Specified One-Time Allowable Use of California Department of Education (CDE) 2025-26 Allocation.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4970

The 2024-25 Budget: Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development

Feb 20, 2024 - ISRF loans typically offer lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than public agencies could receive from other financing sources. Loans are made to public agencies on a first-come, first-served basis.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4846

Evaluation of a Tax Exemption for Zero-Emission Buses

Apr 15, 2024 - Transit Agency Finances Transit Agencies Rely on a Mix of Funding Streams. California has more than 200 transit agencies operating vehicles such as buses, trains, ferries, and paratransit vans. Local governments, such as cities, counties, and local transit authorities, generally own and operate these agencies.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4890

The 2023-24 Budget: Considering Inflation's Effects on State Programs

Nov 16, 2022 - High inflation has resulted in delays as developers have needed to spend more time securing additional capital—above what was originally anticipated—to finance the projects before construction can begin.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4647

The 2020-21 Budget: Expanding the Minimum Franchise Tax Exemption

Mar 23, 2020 - Nonetheless, finance and real estate companies often hold significant assets. Figure  3 shows that financial companies own 55  p ercent —nearly $ 18  t rillion in 2017 —of the total assets owned by all LLCs and partnerships.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4207

Evaluating State Economic Stimulus Proposals

Feb 1, 2021 - For example, in our analysis The 2019‑20 Budget: Opportunity Zones , we argued that creating a new state Opportunity Zone program to fund affordable housing would add an unnecessary layer of complication to the financing of affordable housing.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4331

The 2023-24 Budget: California's Film Tax Credit

Feb 28, 2023 - “The Effects of School Spending on Educational and Economic Outcomes: Evidence from School Finance Reforms. ” The Quarterly Journal of Economics 131.1 (2016): 157 ‑218. O ’Brien, Nina F., and Christianne J.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4713