Governor releases 2016-2017 state budget proposal

“One of our prime responsibilities is the people that work for us.”
—Governor Jerry Brown

Governor Jerry Brown introduced his proposed 2016-2017 state budget on January 7, setting the tone for the upcoming legislative session and for the season of bargaining that will result in a new contract for Local 1000-represented state workers.

Among the many budget details Local 1000 is working to understand as we head into negotiations is a state revenue surplus, estimated by the Legislative Analyst’s Office to be $3.6 billion.

Brown acknowledges state workers

Even though he leans toward frugality in all situations and sounded a note of restraint, Brown acknowledged clearly that state workers have a raise coming and that the budget is prepared for it.

“One of our prime responsibilities is the people that work for us,” Brown said at the budget release press conference. “They carry out what it is the state does. That is another cost, and it’s not trivial.”

Margarita Maldonado, Local 1000 vice president for bargaining, says this is a clear call to action.

“The table is set for negotiations with the state,” she says. “We need every member to stand up and support our demand for a good contract.”

“We will work hard and use all our resources to make sure the final budget reflects the needs of the 95,000 state workers Local 1000 represents as well as our great state.”
—Yvonne R. Walker
Local 1000 President

Complex budget process

Now that the governor has released his budget, it will go to the legislature, which will craft its own version. In May, Brown will take the legislature’s budget, make changes, then issue his revised budget. From there, the legislature and governor will hammer out their differences until June 15, when the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget for the governor to sign to begin the state’s fiscal year on July 1.

Local 1000 is deeply involved throughout the budget-crafting process, engaging our research and legislative staff to analyze the budget and determine its effects on our membership and their communities. Our staff and member leaders then work with the state and legislature to prioritize the values of working families and the needs of our members. 

Though there are some budget items Local 1000 will push to change as the process goes on, the governor’s proposal for the most part reflects Local 1000 values such as investing in education, health care and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“We will work hard and use all our resources to make sure the final budget reflects the needs of the 95,000 state workers Local 1000 represents as well as our great state,” says Yvonne R. Walker, Local 1000 president.