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

Feb 20, 2026 - For example, we recommend the Legislature: Do Not Suspend the $3  Billion True Up Into the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA). The Governor ’s budget proposes suspending a roughly $3  billion true-up deposit that otherwise would be required in 2025-26.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5133

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

Jan 12, 2026 - In this report, we provide a high ‑level summary and our initial analysis of the Governor ’s budget based on our preliminary review (as of January 10). In the coming weeks, we will analyze the plan in more detail and release many additional issue ‑specific budget analyses.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5101

The 2026-27 Budget: Overview of the Governor's Budget [Publication Details]

Jan 12, 2026 - On January 9, 2026, Governor Newsom’s administration presented its proposed state budget to the California Legislature. In this report, we provide a high-level summary and our initial analysis of the Governor’s budget based on our preliminary review (as of January 10). Assembly Budget Handout (PDF) Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Handout (PDF)
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5101

California’s Strong Revenue Trends Mask Looming Budget Risk

Jan 23, 2026 - The current discrepancy over the size of the state ’s budget deficit —$18  billion under the Legislative Analyst ’s Office estimate versus $3  billion in the Governor ’s budget —fits squarely within that pattern.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5104

The 2025-26 Budget: Overview of the Spending Plan

Oct 16, 2025 - Borrowing ($10 Billion) The budget package primarily addresses the budget problem using borrowing —these solutions represent $10  billion or roughly two ‑thirds of the total solutions. We define “borrowing ” as budget actions that achieve savings in the present, but result in an obligation or higher cost for the state in a future year.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5079

The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook

May 24, 2025 - Figure  3 provides a broader perspective on changes in long-term spending across major programs —largely reflecting the May Revision ’s ongoing solutions. (However, the figure also captures the effects of updated assumptions and estimates.)
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5052

Rethinking California's Reserve Policy

Apr 10, 2025 - Throughout this period, as shown on the right side of Figure  3, the SFEU balance was generally enacted around 1  percent to 3  percent of revenues —very small compared to the reserves and surpluses of the decades before.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5028

The 2026-27 Budget: California's Fiscal Outlook

Nov 19, 2025 - Figure 3 General Fund Condition Under Fiscal Outlook (In Millions)
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5091

The 2025-26 Budget: Overview of the Governor's Budget

Jan 13, 2025 - Introduction On January 10, 2025, Governor Newsom ’s administration presented its proposed state budget to the California Legislature. In this report, we provide a brief summary of the Governor ’s budget based on our initial review as of January 12.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4951

The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision

May 17, 2025 - The May Revision reduces planned base cuts from 7.95  percent, as agreed to in last year ’s budget, to 3  percent. This change increases ongoing General Fund costs by $267  million for UC and $231  million for CSU.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5044