Publication: Courthouse News
Plans for California’s skyrocketing tax revenues came into focus Tuesday as Democratic lawmakers unveiled their “historic” vision for the state’s next budget.
Though the total spending mirrors Governor Gavin Newsom’s May budget proposal, the Legislature’s plan includes more money for big-ticket items like climate change, wildfire prevention, affordable housing and expanded health care coverage for undocumented residents.
Budget talks are officially in the closing stages as the Legislature and Newsom have two weeks to craft a final deal.
Key lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly said it was easy to find “common ground” in crafting a “once-in-a-generation” budget and added there was plenty of time for further talks with Newsom.
“We are very aligned in the issues we are pursuing,” said Assemblyman Phil Ting, chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. “I anticipate we’re going to be able to figure out many of the details and come to an agreement.”