California's Legislative Analyst's Office and the Value of Independence

Nov 15, 2024 - The added complexity from the alternative revenue estimates making this possible is a worthwhile price to pay. Reaffirming the LAO ’s Independent Mandate The LAO was established in 1941 because the Legislature sought an independent source of information and analysis —one directly accountable to it and serving as a fiscal watchdog on its behalf.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4938

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

May 17, 2025 - Finally, although we have not previously recommended the Leg islature take decisive action to address the structural deficits, the state ’s persistent fiscal imbalance and the added downside risks —particularly from potential federal actions —suggest a need for a more proactive approach.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5044

Rethinking California’s Reserve Policy (Panel 2) [Publication Details]

May 7, 2025 - Rethinking California’s Reserve Policy (Panel 2) [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5041

Reserves, Proposition 2, and the Budget Stabilization Account (Panel 1) [Publication Details]

May 7, 2025 - Reserves, Proposition 2, and the Budget Stabilization Account (Panel 1) [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5040

The 2025-26 Budget: California's Fiscal Outlook

Nov 20, 2024 - Outside of government and health care, the state has added no jobs in a year and a half. Similarly, the number of Californians who are unemployed is 25  percent higher than during the strong labor markets of 2019 and 2022.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4939

Federal Spending in California [Publication Details]

Feb 20, 2025 - Federal Spending in California [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/4974

The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision [Publication Details]

May 17, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5044

The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook

May 24, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only. The LAO is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5052/1

The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook [Publication Details]

May 24, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Multiyear Budget Outlook [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5052

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

May 17, 2025 - On May 14, 2025, Governor Newsom presented a revised state budget proposal to the Legislature. This annual proposed revised budget is referred to as the May Revision. In this brief, we provide a summary of and comments on the Governor’s revised budget, focusing on Governor’s proposals for and the overall condition of the state General Fund—the budget’s main operating account.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5044/1