Behind the Bills

On Episode 14 of Behind the Bills , Naj Alikhan is joined by Michael Fine, executive director of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, to examine Senate Bill 330 and its proposal to shorten the state-required fiscal planning horizon for California school districts. Fine explains why reducing the formal projection window from three years to two could weaken an important early-warning sy...

On Episode 13 of Behind the Bills , Naj Alikhan breaks down House Resolution 87, proposed by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and how it could change the way new reporting requirements are evaluated in California. Instead of adding more mandates, the focus shifts to a set of guiding questions designed to assess purpose, value, and feasibility before new requirements are adopted. This episode looks at...

On Episode 12 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan breaks down three ACSA-sponsored measures aimed at reducing reporting burdens on California school districts. The conversation explores proposals to sunset new mandates, eliminate outdated reporting tools, and establish clearer guardrails for future requirements. As districts navigate growing fiscal and operational pressures, this episode examines how...

On episode 11 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan breaks down Governor Newsom’s 2026–27 January budget proposal as budget season officially begins in Sacramento ( 00:26 ). The conversation examines the proposal’s implications for public education, including the administration’s approach to Proposition 98 funding and long-term fiscal commitments ( 01:57 ). Naj also highlights how investments in commun...

On episode 10 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan recaps California’s latest legislative updates and highlights ACSA’s successful advocacy to release $7 billion in delayed federal education funding. Get updates on key co-sponsored bills still moving through the Legislature, including those focused on substitute flexibility, credentialing, and school safety. Plus, hear how a recent Supreme Court rulin...

On episode 9 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan breaks down Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision and its impact on California’s schools. With a projected $12 billion deficit, the state proposes underfunding Prop 98 and relying on deferrals to balance the budget. ACSA has submitted a formal response, urging full Prop 98 appropriation and a meaningful LCFF base grant increase. Naj provides insights o...

On Episode 8 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo breaks down a busy start to the new year in the political world. A second Trump term has resulted in dozens of executive orders impacting immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Iván shares his thoughts on how these actions by President Trump could have long term effects on the safety and wellbeing of California's 6 million public school students (00:50)....

In Episode 7 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo analyzes the results of California's state legislature elections and their impact on public education across the state (2:12). He also explores the future of the U.S. Department of Education and its implications for California schools (4:04). Finally, don’t miss Iván's exclusive interview with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, who emph...

On episode 6 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo tells you everything you need to know for the upcoming November election. He'll bring you the latest from a recent state assembly hearing on the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and what it could mean for California schools (00:42). Later, political polling expert Paul Mitchell joins Iván to break down election trends, voter dynamics, and potenti...

On episode 5 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo breaks down a few of the key pieces of legislation Gov. Gavin Newsom signed and vetoed as the 2-year session came to a close on September 30th (00:38). He also provides a quick update on the $10 billion school facilities bond, Proposition 2 (05:47). Finally, Iván talks with California State assembly candidate...and former ACSA member...Robert Garcia...

On episode 4 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo brings you the very latest on the legislative session and where things stand with key educational bills (00:35). Plus, he shares his thoughts on Gov. Gavin Newsom's letter to school leaders about cell phone use on campuses (04:04). And finally, Capitol Advisors partner Barrett Snider joins the show to talk about potential changes in the Californi...

On episode 3 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo looks at some of the upcoming races in the California state legislature and explains how ACSA endorses political candidates (00:44). Plus, he has a quick update on Proposition 2, a $10 billion school facilities bond that would have a wide-ranging impact on California public schools (07:44). Finally, Iván chats with legislative advocate Dorothy Johnso...

On episode 2 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo breaks down the final budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and what impact it has on public education (00:51). He also discusses a new $10 billion school facilities bond, Proposition 2, on the November ballot (04:03). Finally, Iván is joined by legislative advocate Megan Baier for a conversation about the importance of relationships when working wi...

On episode 1 of Behind the Bills, Iván Carrillo gets you caught up on the latest policy updates impacting California public education. He takes a look at the upcoming June 15th budget deadline for the state legislature (01:38), the emergency school closures proposal (05:08), and the electric school buses initiative (07:22). Then, Iván is joined by Naj Alikhan for a wide-ranging discussion on the L...