Budget Spotlight - 04/17/2026

Subcommittee #1 (Education)
Pérez (D-Pasadena) Chair, Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), and Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera)

The subcommittee did not meet this week.

Key Topics to be Heard Next Week: Department of Education issues, including dual enrollment, career pathways, and special education, as well as teacher credentialing.

Subcommittee #2 (Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy)
Reyes (D-Colton) Chair, Choi (R-Irvine), Blakespear (D-Encinitas), and McNerney (D- Pleasanton)

California Conservation Corps Marks 50 Years and Highlights Balanced Funding Model. The subcommittee heard an overview of the California Conservation Corps (CCC), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Senator Steven Choi (R-Irvine) thanked CCC Director JP Patton and noted he is continuing to learn more about the program. He confirmed the CCC's coordination with CAL FIRE, and his questions on funding led to a discussion of how the Corps balances General Fund and reimbursement funding to keep its services accessible across communities. Senator Choi also highlighted the Irvine Ranch Conservancy in Orange County and expressed interest in potential collaboration. Director Patton spoke about efforts to expand participation, including increasing opportunities for women and individuals with disabilities. The discussion was positive and informative.

Key Topics to be Heard Next Week: Subcommittee #2 will not meet next week.

Subcommittee #3 (Health and Human Services)
Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) Chair, Grove (R-Bakersfield), and Weber Pierson (D-San Diego)

The subcommittee did not meet this week.

Key Topics to be Heard Next Week: Department of Social Services, including child care, foster care, and immigration and refugee programs.

Subcommittee #4 (State Administration and General Government)
Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) Chair, Niello (R-Fair Oaks), Cabaldon (D-Yolo), Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles)

Governor Spending $20 Million on a "Branding" Campaign. The subcommittee reviewed the state's economic development efforts and budget proposals within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), with Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) raising concerns about government spending and California's challenging business climate. GO-Biz Director Dee Dee Myers presented the Governor's $20 million "California Brand Campaign," designed to promote the state and push back on what Governor Newsom describes as "lies and misinformation." Senator Niello questioned Director Myers' characterization of misinformation around the state's unfriendly business climate, noting that it's difficult to dismiss that California businesses continue to struggle under the weight of costly regulations and one of the highest costs of doing business in the nation. The state's high housing prices, energy costs, and gas prices lead to real and ongoing challenges that make it difficult to argue California is a business-friendly environment, regardless of how it is marketed.

Key Topics to be Heard Next Week: The California Department of Technology, including information on the status of the state's Middle Mile Broadband Network, the Government Operations Agency, and the Department of General Services.

Subcommittee #5 (Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation)
Richardson (D- San Pedro) Chair, Seyarto (R-Murrieta), and Durazo (D-Los Angeles)

Pretrial Services Cut Harms Alternatives to Incarceration. The subcommittee discussed several civil and criminal justice issues related to the Judicial Branch's operations. A representative for the Chief Probation Officers of California testified that the Governor's proposed $20 million reduction to pretrial services funding is based on faulty assumptions and will harm programs that are intended to provide alternatives to incarceration, including diversion and treatment services. Notably, these funds could be used to support implementation of the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (Proposition 36, 2024), which passed by significant majorities in all 58 counties. Senate Republicans have consistently called for full funding of Proposition 36. The Governor's proposed reduction to critical pretrial services funding is consistent with his demonstrated intent to undermine the initiative, and it represents a slap in the face to the nearly 70 percent of voters who supported it.

Key Topics to be Heard Next Week: Various labor and state employment issues, including the Employment Development Department (EDD), CalPERS, and CalSTRS.