LAO Releases Annual Report: California’s Fiscal Outlook. On December 7, 2023, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) – the nonpartisan government agency that provides analysis and advice to the Legislature on fiscal and policy issues – released their report that states they expect California to face a $68 billion deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The LAO’s Fiscal Outlook is only an estimate of State fiscal conditions using the information currently available. Within the information released, the LAO acknowledges there continues to be a good deal of uncertainty that may impact the budget, including federal funding, the pandemic, and economic conditions here and around the world. To read the LAO’s Fiscal Outlook, please click here.
This is not the first time during any round of bargaining that CAPS, or any other State Union, has heard of “record deficit” or other pessimistic budgetary outlook from the annual LAO report. In good times and bad, the State continually points to their need to be fiscally responsible or prepare for future economic downturns. A forecasted economic downturn is an excuse on the State’s part that we’ve heard time and time again. Even projected surpluses were not accurately projected in the past, it goes both ways. A fair contract for State Scientists goes beyond numbers in a budget – investing in the scientists that run the scientific programs in state service means that California can be secure in our resources in the future. It’s way past time for THIS administration to VALUE Scientists, provide equal pay for equal work, and protect the integrity of California’s scientific future!
The LAO’s Fiscal Outlook report signals the beginning of another budgetary cycle for California. Later this month, Governor Newsom will issue his economic predictions as part of his 2024-25 State Budget proposal. In mid-May the Administration will issue a revised budget plan (the May Revise) that typically has a clearer picture of what budget will be enacted. The Legislature’s deadline to send a budget to Newsom is June 15 and the 2024-25 fiscal year starts July 1.
Background on CAPS’ Fight For a Fair Contract. Current and previous CAPS Bargaining Teams have worked hard to educate this Administration and its representatives on why we are fighting for fair pay and what issues caused CAPS to arrive at our current situation. You can read all about the history of the current compensation issues CAPS is fighting to address at the bargaining table with the State here. We haven’t come this far to only come this far and give up now.
The Fight Continues in 2024 – Support CAPS! With the rejection of the State’s Last, Best, and Final Offer on December 21, 2023, the fight to win a contract that fairly values State Scientists continues. CAPS needs your support now! Please consider supporting and sharing the following with your networks: CAPS GiveButter Strike Hardship Fund, the CAPS Support Letter, and a list of other ways to support State Scientists’ fight for a fair contract.