We don’t expect our classroom teachers to give full credit for incomplete homework, right? So, why have our State legislators passed an incomplete budget? (They can’t blame the dogs!)

During difficult times, when budgets need to be cut and programs reduced or eliminated, it wouldn’t be so hard to understand why elected officials would struggle to compromise. But in these times of plenty, when the State has been collecting record high amounts of tax revenue, why have we found ourselves in this new normal, when the legislature and the governor drag out the process well beyond July 1st.

For now, know this: The next deadline is June 30th, when Governor Newsom needs to either sign or veto the plan. But, even with his signature, there’s still work for them to complete.

Of course, it’s great to know that education (and many other public sectors) will receive more money this coming fiscal year, but it’s near impossible to actually plan forward when we don’t know the dollar amounts.

Read more about the facts and opinions from Alexei Koseff and Dan Walters, writers and reporters for Cal Matters:

California’s sham budget and unintended consequences, June 14, 2022 by Dan Walters

California budget: Big Surplus, big differences, June 13, 2022 by Alexei Koseff

TRiGroup, Inc. Advice: Anticipate several trailer bills to come forward in the coming weeks and months, hoping to have a final budget with details done before the legislative recess on August 31st. Be prepared to communicate quickly with details to your school community as things advance. Plan ahead for your own budget adjustments in the fall.