Your Government - U.S. Economic Crisis

Your Government - How a Bill Becomes Law!

Between June and August of each year, state agencies or departments develop budget proposals to augment their existing levels of service. Departments prepare Budget Change Proposals (BCPs), which are sent to the Department of Finance (DOF) for review. The DOF analyzes these budget proposals, estimates future state revenues and prepares a balanced expenditure plan for the Governor’s approval.

Learn more about the process.

Your Government - Our Situation

California has had continuous fiscal troubles since 2000. Every year, despite the rhetoric on all sides, the Legislature and Governor have eventually balanced the budget and moved forward. Unlike in years past, California can no longer rely on easy fixes and short-term band-aid solutions, and must instead focus on a solution that addresses the deep flaws within the budget process itself.

Learn more about our situation.

Your Government - Glossary Terms

• Big Five: The Big Five consists of the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the minority leaders of both houses. They meet to resolve stalemates that may arise within the Budget Conference Committee or if the Legislature cannot agree on the budget passed by the Budget Conference Committee.
  
  
• Bill: A proposed law or a change in the law introduced by a member of the Legislature.
  

Learn more about the terms in the assembly.