For the first time in years, California’s budget process this year will not be focused on solutions for closing massive budget shortfalls, but on decisions that will affect the state’s future.
Now, the state’s citizens can dabble in budget making with an online tool offered by nonprofit, nonpartisan Next 10 of Oakland.
Its online “California Budget Challenge” – see link below – lets Californians engage in the current budget debate and wield their own budget pens to decide whether to restore services, pay off what the governor calls the “wall of debt,” or begin to tackle over $100 billion in long-term liabilities.
“Despite the fact that state finances are headed in a more positive direction this year when compared to last year, there are still difficult budget choices to consider—choices that will impact us for years to come,” says Noel Perry, founder of Next 10. “Temporary revenues coming in from Prop 30, combined with years of borrowing and deep cuts to state programs have brought the budget into balance. Californians must now consider what choices will improve our state’s future, and prevent us from repeating the past.”
The updated California Budget Challenge guides users through dozens of choices on state debt, spending, and revenues. After building their budget, users can decide if and how large of a rainy day fund that want to create. Users can engage directly with lawmakers by “Taking Action” on any policy option. The Budget Challenge was just updated with the newly drawn districts and email access to state elected officials.
Since first launching in 2005, more than330,000 Californians have taken the Challenge in classrooms, at budget town hall events, and in the privacy of their own homes.
Next 10 describes itself as “an independent, nonpartisan organization focused on innovation and the intersection of the economy, the environment, and quality of life issues for all Californians. Next 10 funds research by leading experts on complex state issues.”
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