Following the release of the state Senate Democrats’ “Putting Wealth to Work” budget proposal, the Assembly Democrats’ budget priorities were unveiled May 5. While the Assembly document contains less detail than the Senate release, both provide a window into where the two houses are focusing in the lead-up to the release of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Budget Revision this week.
Assembly joins Senate in emphasizing LCFF, pandemic recovery and facilities
Following the Assembly’s December budget blueprint, which highlighted school facilities, learning loss and mental health, the implementation of universal transitional kindergarten, accountability measures for the Children and Youth Behavioral Initiative and broadband access, the May proposal identifies five areas of focus as the education budget moves forward:
- Local Control Funding Formula: The Assembly proposes directing half of the historic Proposition 98 increase to the Local Control Funding Formula, reflecting once again CSBA’s consistent advocacy this budget season for investment in the LCFF base. The Senate proposal likewise included a $5 billion increase in the base, growing to $10 billion by 2024–25, in addition to an expected 6.56 percent cost-of-living adjustment.
- Learning Recovery Block Grant: The Assembly would create a Learning Recovery Block Grant to support students and staff in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Similarly, included among the Senate proposals was $10 billion in one-time funds to address challenges caused by the pandemic, including learning loss.
- Facilities funding: The Assembly proposal would fully fund all expected school, transitional kindergarten and child care facilities needs for next two years. The Senate proposal also addresses facilities funding, though it takes a different approach by providing $4.5 billion over three years beyond the Governor’s school facilities proposal and $1 billion for K-12 deferred maintenance.
- Education workforce: The Assembly also identifies growing the educator workforce pipeline as a priority.
- Program expansion rollouts: Finally, the Assembly plan emphasizes the need to support the rollout of the universal transitional kindergarten, school meals and after-school programs.
While the details remain to be seen, on their faces both legislative proposals have fewer competitive grants and categorical funding than the Governor’s January proposal, a CSBA priority.
What’s next?
CSBA webinar
Gov. Newsom’s May Budget Revision was originally expected to be released Friday, May 13. If that holds, we invite you to join CSBA for a briefing webinar at 3 p.m., May 13, featuring a recap of the Governor’s proposal and insights from CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy and the CSBA Governmental Relations team. However, our information suggests there is a chance the May Revise could be moved earlier in the week. If the announcement is moved up, the webinar will be move to the same day. Please check your email for updates as this change may happen on short notice. Register now »
CSBA is also co-sponsoring Budget Perspectives Workshops in partnership with Capitol Advisors in counties across the state from May 23–June 1. Learn more and register »
