18. Getting ready for 2023 California Budget Advocacy with guests Scott Graves, Christopher Sanchez, and Jennifer Fearing

<p>It's mid November and California budget revenue collections are way below projections. Paired with historically high rates of inflation, the Legislature may be facing a<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4646" target="_blank"> $25 billion deficit</a> in FY 23-24. One big difference from budget deficits of the past, however, is the state has $23 billion saved in rainy day funds. Experts agree: Is the situation serious? Without a doubt. Is it a crisis? No.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>So what does this mean for advocates?</p> <p><br></p> <p>Lobbying for new program investments is going to be hella difficult.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Does that mean we close up shop and go home? Heck no!</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this episode, recorded live on Monday, November 13, 2022, I talk with a California budget expert and fellow budget lobbyists about perilous budget conditions and what this portends for advocates in the new year.</p> <p><br></p> <p>I am joined by:</p> <p><br></p> <p>- <strong>Scott Graves</strong>, Director of Research at the <a href="https://calbudgetcenter.org/" target="_blank">California Budget and Policy Center</a></p> <p>- <strong>Christopher Sanchez</strong>, Policy Associate at the <a href="https://wclp.org/" target="_blank">Western Center on Law and Poverty</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>- <strong>Jennifer Fearing</strong>, President of <a href="http://www.fearlessadvocacy.com/" target="_blank">Fearless Advocacy</a></p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What’s on your fall budget prep check list? (10:57)</li> <li>The pros/cons of running a companion policy bill when you are lobbying a budget request (15:40)</li> <li>How the state’s Budget reserves work (21:49)</li> <li>Knowing how to lobby the budget will make you a better lobbyist (25:18)</li> <li>How repurposing existing budget funding works (35:00)</li> <li>What budget advocates might expect in the Governor’s second term (43:17)</li> <li>What should we expect from our legislative champions? (51:36)</li> <li>Persistence versus