• write a policy memo (3-4 single-spaced pages, Times New Roman 12- point) that describes the fiscal provisions of the selected state as described in that government’s constitution, code, charter, or budget documents. In describing their selected jurisdiction’s provisions, students are expected to make comparisons with California. Therefore, you need to search for information for both California and your selected state.
At minimum, the memo should explain and compare:
1. The budget process of both states and the key players in the process;
2. The budget classification of the states (e.g., performance budgets, program budgets, zero-
based budgets, etc.);
3. The major spending areas of each government;
4. The major sources of funding for the operating budget for each government;
5. The legal constraints of the state budgets (e.g., tax and expenditure limitations, balanced- budget requirements, debt limits, etc.);
6. The budget challenges each government is facing; and
7. Your policy recommendations on how to improve the CA budgeting.