Behind the Bills

Latest Episodes:

Episode 15: Expanding Pathways for California's Future School Leaders Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

On Episode 15 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan sits down with ACSA legislative advocate Serette Kaminski to discuss how ACSA helped create a new pathway for aspiring school leaders to earn their preliminary administrative credential while serving in leadership roles. They unpack how the idea grew from member feedback into bipartisan legislation (01:14). They also discuss how collaboration with lawmakers helped move the bill from introduction to the governor's desk (07:04).

Episode 14: SB 330 and the Risks of Shortening School District Budget Forecasts Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

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 system, limit long-range decision-making and create a false sense of financial stability. The conversation also explores how a shorter forecast could leave districts reacting to financial trouble instead of planning for it.

Episode 13: HR 87 and Rethinking How School Reporting Requirements Get Made Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

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 how a more intentional approach could help prevent unnecessary burdens and protect time and resources for students.

Episode 12: Reducing Reporting Burdens for California School Districts Mar 02, 2026

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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 The conversation explores proposals to sunset new mandates, eliminate outdated reporting tools, and establish clearer guardrails for future requirements.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 streamlining accountability could help leaders focus more time and resources on students.

Episode 11: What’s in the Governor Newsom's Budget Proposal and What Comes Next Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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 community schools and universal meals continue to shape statewide priorities for students and families (03:56).

Episode 10: Federal Funds, Curriculum Controversies, and the Road Ahead Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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 ruling on curriculum opt-outs is reshaping local school district policies across the state.

Episode 9: May Budget Revision May 28, 2025

Show notes

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 on key education funding issues, including Universal TK, COLA adjustments, and teacher recruitment efforts.

Episode 8: Immigration, LGBTQ+ Rights & CA Budget Update Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

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). Later in the show, California state senator John Laird joins Iván for a wide-ranging interview about the Trump presidency and what he makes of Governor Gavin Newsom's strategy for Prop 98 dollars in this year's proposed budget (05:27).

Episode 7: The Future of the Department of Education & Dr. Shirley Weber Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

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 emphasizes the importance of voting and shares why the election process is deeply personal for her (5:47).

Episode 6: Election 2024 – What to Expect on November 5th Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

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 potential surprises on November 5th (03:18). Don’t miss this essential Election Day preview!

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