Legislative Update by Shane LaVigne
LaVigne Strategies

Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 state budget projects a roughly $2.9 billion deficit for the coming fiscal year, driven by ongoing structural pressures and reliance on high tech and AI-related revenue growth to balance the books. This budget assumes roughly $42 billion in additional revenue over the current forecast, but even with that uptick the General Fund outlook remains tight and increasingly fragile.

Meanwhile, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has cautioned that the state faces a far larger shortfall, an $18 billion deficit for 2026-27 and that multiyear deficits could grow to $20–$35 billion annually as spending continues to outpace revenue growth. In our recent Capitol visits with members, CSLEA has stressed the real costs of chronic vacancy rates, competitive pay challenges, and benefit pressures at agencies where staffing stability is critical to public and officer safety.

With the February 20 bill introduction deadline fast approaching, the budget and policy landscape is quickly taking shape. CSLEA is actively reviewing proposed legislation and engaging policymakers to ensure that fiscal decisions reflect the realities our members face on the ground, particularly around workforce recruitment, retention, and operational capacity. We will continue to advocate for responsible budget solutions that strengthen not strain California’s professional law enforcement infrastructure, and we’ll keep members informed as this process unfolds.