Behind the Bills

Behind the Bills is your go-to podcast for the latest updates on access, policy, and political work affecting education in California. Iván Carrillo will provide insider insights from Sacramento, including the daily efforts of ACSA's governmental relations team, legislative policy committee, and key stakeholders as they work to influence policy and budget decisions. Stay informed on the issues that impact your job and the students you serve, with behind-the-scenes looks at the inner workings of ACSA.

Behind the Bills is a government podcast hosted by Association of California School Administrators, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Association of California School Administrators hosts Behind the Bills, a government show with 15 episodes published.

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  Behind the Bills

  Episode 14: SB 330 and the Risks of Shortening School District Budget Forecasts

  Jun 24, 202618 min

  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.

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  Behind the Bills

  Episode 13: HR 87 and Rethinking How School Reporting Requirements Get Made

  Apr 20, 20264 minS0

  <p>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.</p>

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  Behind the Bills

  Episode 12: Reducing Reporting Burdens for California School Districts

  Mar 2, 20263 minS0

  <p>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.</p>

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  Behind the Bills

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

  Jan 22, 20266 minS0

  <p>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).</p>

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  Behind the Bills

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

  Aug 5, 20254 minS0

  <p>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.</p>

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