A. Alan Post, a longtime legislative analyst who watched over the budgets of California governors from Earl Warren to Jerry Brown, has died. He was 96.

Post, who also was a well-regarded artist, died March 26 of natural causes at his home in Sacramento, Calif., said his son, David.

The legislative analyst's office provides lawmakers with nonpartisan counsel on fiscal issues.

Most years, Post drew his biggest headlines for his recommendations about the state budget. "Our mission is primarily a cold-blooded one . . . trying to get down to what the state can afford," he told the California Journal in 1970.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Occidental College in 1938 in economics and art after having to leave college for three years to work at a bank in downtown Los Angeles to help support his family. He also earned a degree from what was then called the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.

Post was asked to become the state's finance director shortly after Ronald Reagan was elected governor in 1966. He declined.

In addition to his son David, Post is survived by three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME