On May 7, Democratic leadership in the State Assembly released their framework for the 2026-27 State Budget. Like the Senate’s framework document released in April, it prioritizes protecting health care access in the wake of cuts resulting from the passage of Federal HR 1, and continuing investments in housing. While the framework acknowledges the impacts of H.R. 1 on counties’ safety net systems, it does not directly address many of our core priorities, including funding support for indigent care and hospitals. Also like the Senate’s framework, it does not contain any new major ongoing spending commitments.
The framework is in line with the Senate in two other key areas, preserving IHSS in the face of the Governor’s proposal to cut, and continuing to prioritize the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) programs. It proposes a new funding stream for affordable housing by putting a bond measure to voters this fall, and highlights a previous commitment to a higher education bond. On public safety, the framework states that Assembly leaders recognize Californians’ expectation that Proposition 36 (2024) be implemented, and that they intend to deliver through existing funding levels of behavioral health, court, and prison programs. Funding commitments for wildfire resilience are also maintained.
The Governor’s May Revision of the 2026-27 Proposed Budget is due by May 14, and the Assembly’s framework closes with an appeal for the next administration to bring more ideas to the traditional policy bill process in advance of the May Revision.
Read the full framework HERE.
For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Sarah Dukett.