Budget Process

As California's fiscal crisis deepens, and the confidence of Californians in the their government sinks even lower, California Forward has released five reforms for a new budget system that could result in smarter fiscal decisions and greater public trust.

The reform proposals - published under the title "It's about Trust: A State Budget Process that Restores Public Confidence" - is based on the best management practices from state and local governments around the nation and on conversations with thousands of Californians.

In the coming weeks and months, California Forward will work with members of the Legislature as well as regional and community leaders to develop understanding and agreement on the details of this proposal.  It also will encourage all Californians to become informed, offer ideas and support practical fixes.

Listening to what Californians want in their state budget

Californians on a bipartisan basis want to see a more open state budget process that ensures tax money is well spent on the highest priorities, according to research commissioned by California Forward. While confirming a deep mistrust of the current budget process, the day-long dialogues with a cross-section of Californians also revealed support for reforms that would enable the public to see how tax money is spent and whether programs are working. Participants were less likely to support higher taxes or lowering the two-thirds threshold to pass the budget without these reforms in place. The research, conducted in six day-long sessions in different parts of the state, presented Californians with information on the fiscal crisis and the budget process. Download the final research report here.