Statewide advocacyBudget 2 save lives
About the CampaignA state budget that puts care first
Budget 2 Save Lives is a statewide effort to shift California’s budget toward investments that actually keep communities safe.
This campaign brings together organizations across California to advocate for a budget that prioritizes housing, healthcare, education, and prevention over incarceration and punishment.
What we’re fighting for
We are pushing the state to invest in life-affirming services that address root causes of harm and reduce reliance on carceral systems.
Budget 2 Save Lives connects local advocacy—like the work in L.A. County—to broader state-level decisions that shape funding across California.
State budget decisions impact every community. By organizing across regions and issue areas, we work to ensure public dollars support the programs and services people need to thrive, not systems that perpetuate harm. Together, we are building a stronger statewide movement for care-first investments.
This campaign expands the Care First approach beyond one county, advocating for systemic change at the state level.
Through the Budget 2 Save Lives campaign, we work alongside partners across California to advance a state budget that prioritizes housing, healthcare, education, community-based services, and economic opportunity over incarceration and punishment.
State budget decisions shape what resources are available in counties and communities throughout California. By organizing at the state level, we can protect and expand investments that address the root causes of harm and help communities thrive.
WHY IT MATTERS
State budget decisions impact millions of people across California.
For decades, California has invested heavily in incarceration while underfunding the services that prevent harm—deepening inequities and limiting opportunity.
State priorities shape local realities
Where the state invests its resources determines what counties can fund—impacting housing, healthcare, education, and more.
We can choose care over punishment
A different budget is possible—one that prioritizes prevention, stability, and community well-being.
Our Solutionreinvest in what works
We are advocating for a state budget that reflects Care First priorities.
Through coalition-building, policy advocacy, and public engagement, we push for investments in housing, healthcare, education, and community-based services while reducing funding for systems that cause harm.
The progressThe impact
Budget 2 Save Lives is building momentum for statewide change.
coalition powerStatewide alignment
Organizations across California are coming together to advocate for a shared vision of care-first investment.
AdvocacyInfluencing budget decisions
The campaign is elevating community voices and shaping conversations around state budget priorities.
AWARENESSShifting the narrative
Budget 2 Save Lives is helping reframe public understanding of what true safety looks like.
MomentumBuilding toward long-term change
This work is laying the groundwork for sustained investment in care-first solutions across California.
Stay involvedWhy engagement matters
State budget decisions are made every year—and public pressure makes a difference.
To win lasting change, we need ongoing advocacy, organizing, and community participation to ensure California invests in care, not punishment.
Learn moreResources
Stay informed and take action on the state budget.
Explore reports, policy updates, and action opportunities to help advocate for a Care First budget across California.
Sign upget involved
We didn’t come this far to only come this far
Measure J was successful because of the outpouring of support from advocates, community members, and the public who believed deeply that we address racial injustice by investing in health, housing, and jobs.