In late June the Governor and Legislature reached an agreement on the 2024-25 California Budget and on June 26, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2024 (AB 107). Governor Newsom made it clear that the budget would maintain strong support for schools, including Expanded Learning. 

“We’re also finally fulfilling the vision of before and after school as well as summer school for all, investing billions of dollars to make it universal.” -Governor Newsom

FY 2024/2025 Budget Impacts on Expanded Learning

We are happy to share that the California Legislature and Governor Newsom have maintained their commitment to Expanded Learning programs. Despite fiscal challenges, funding for Expanded Learning remains stable:

• Maintains $4 billion in ongoing funding for ELO-P (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program).
• Maintains existing reimbursement rates for ASES and 21st CCLC programs.

Budget Trailer Bill Impacts On Expanded Learning

The signed budget typically requires changes to existing laws to implement the budget changes which are outlined in “trailer bills: organized by issue areas such as “K-12”, “higher education”, and “housing.” Trailer bills take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature and typically only require a majority vote.

SB-153 Education finance: education omnibus budget trailer bill was signed into law on June 29, 2024 and has several impacts to Expanded Learning (outlined in more detail in the newsletter below):

• ELO-P Expenditure Deadlines
• ELO-P Intent to Run Requirement
• ELO-P “Rate 2″ LEAs
• Attendance Recovery

What’s Next for the Budget?

Governor Newsom approved all remaining 2024 budget bills on Tuesday, July 2 and the Department of Finance has released its annual enacted budget summary.

State leaders will return from Summer Recess on August 5th (access the 2024 CA Legislative Calendar and Deadlines). They will revisit the 2024-25 budget package to finalize any ”clean up” needed for the budget through Trailer Bills and “Budget Bill Juniors” (According to the California Budget & Policy Center, Budget Bill Junior is the informal term to describe any budget bill that amends the Budget Act. Multiple Budget Bill Jrs. may be described using Roman numerals (Budget Bill Jr. I, Budget Bill Jr. II, etc.). The Assembly Budget Committee has scheduled a hearing on budget reserves and 2025 oversight and accountability priorities on Tuesday, August 6.

Meanwhile, the administration is already preparing the governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal, to be released by January 10.

Helpful Resources

Policy and advocacy opportunities are year-round! Here are some resources to help you stay engaged:

• Check out this blog from Courage California WHAT’S NEXT? CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET ADVOCACY BEYOND THE JUNE BUDGET DEAL for more updates on the state budget and process and tips on year-round advocacy!
• California Budget & Policy Center Glossary of State Budget Terms
• 2024 CA Legislative Calendar and Deadlines