May Revision Budget Process

The May Revision budget process is crucial for California’s fiscal planning and governance and aims to maintain a balanced and equitable budget. It allows for adjustments based on updated economic conditions and revenue projections. The process involves reviewing the initial budget proposal and considering the latest economic data and revenue forecasts. It helps policymakers assess the state’s financial health, address emerging priorities, and allocate resources wisely. The May revision ensures that the budget reflects Californians’ evolving needs, promotes responsible fiscal management, and supports essential public services. 

Next Steps

By June 15, the legislature must pass a balanced budget and then goes to the Governor for signature.  The budget is accompanied by Budget Trailer Bills that will provide details for the implementation of the budget. Access resources to learn more about the budget process.

Proposed Budget Impacts on Expanded Learning

Governor Newsom made it clear that his budget would maintain transformative investments in public education and upheld his commitment to Expanded Learning programs. Key highlights from his proposed budget include:

• Maintains $4 billion in ongoing funding for ELO-P (Expanded Learning Opportunities – Program).
• Includes statutory changes that extend the expenditure/encumbrance deadline for ELO-P funds received in 2021-22 and 2022-23 from June 30, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

Proposed Trailer Bill Impacts on Expanded Learning

There are currently a number of items proposed to change the California Education Code related to the implementation of ELO-P funding, as outlined below:

1. Health & Safety: When an LEA contracts with a third party, the third party must report to the LEA any health or safety-related issues.  It also requires the third party to request from parents or guardians, student health information (it is at the discretion of the parents or guardians to provide this information). 
2. Licensing Requirements:  A child care license is only required for ELO-P when a program is serving children in TK/K in a facility NOT located on an LEA school campus.
3. ELO-P School Year: Any instance of School Year for ELO-P is replaced with Fiscal Year.
4. ELO-P Expenditures:  Adds encumber (i.e. expend or encumber) and extends the deadline for expending or encumbering funds received in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to June 30, 2024.
5. ELO-P Off-Campus Programs:  A process and timeline will be established for LEAs operating ELO-P to submit information related to the California Department of Education if they are contracting with third parties to provide services at a location other than a school campus (i.e. contact info for the third party, number of students and grades of students served off-site, and licensing info if applicable).

For more details on these proposed changes, access trailer bill language, starting on page 21.

Helpful Resources

• CA Dept of Finance: State Budget (including trailer bills & other details)
• Cal Matters: How California Government Works
• Legislative Info: Bill Information 
• Legislative Calendar & Deadlines
• CA Budget & Policy Center
  • Dollars and Democracy: A Guide to the State Budget Process
  • Glossary: State Budget Terms Defined
  • Navigating the State Budget Process