California Budget Project Report Looks at Spending Trends
The California Budget Project, an independent fiscal and policy analysis organization, has released a report detailing how the state has spent its $21.6 billion in General Fund expenditure growth from 1998-99 to 2000-01. Titled "Winners and Losers: Where Has the Money Gone?", the report reveals that between 1998 and 2001, General Fund revenues rose by 29.6%, or $16.9 billion, and expenditures rose by 37.6%, or $21.6 billion. Health and human services programs received one of the largest dollar increases at $4.9 billion, second only to education, which received $6.8 billion. However, health and human services programs fell from 26.8% of General Fund expenditures in 1998-1999 to 25.7% in 2000-2001. CBP Executive Director Jean Ross said, "Tax cuts, housing and transportation made substantial gains. In contrast, while K-12 education and health and human services programs received the largest absolute spending increase, both have declined as a share of overall state spending" (CBP release, 1/5). To view a copy of the report, go to http://www.cbp.org/adobe/reports/r0101win.pdf.
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