The leaders of the California Senate are seeking to boost spending above Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest budget, citing a historic state budget surplus.
“The Senate’s proposed budget is bold and responsible. At a time when the federal government is moving backward, we are moving our state forward and lifting Californians up,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, a San Diego Democrat.
Atkins and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Holly J. Mitchell of Los Angeles released a list of priorities last week in advance of the June 15 deadline for passing a state budget.
Atkins and Mitchell cited as Senate priorities investments in education, safe drinking water, increased access to abortion services, special education students, and growing the Medi-Cal program.
They praised Newsom for “a thoughtful and prudent budget proposal,” but noted that the “largest reserves in history” create opportunities.
Earlier this month, Newsom revised upward his proposed budget by $4.5 billion to nearly $214 billion. Senate leaders are proposing further increases to this “May revise” by the governor.
Among the largest increases over the governor’s proposal would be $300 million more for Medi-Cal subsidies, $208 million for greenhouse gas reductions and $168 million for state earned income tax credits.
“I look forward to negotiating with Gov, Gavin Newsom and Speaker Anthony Rendon so we may craft a budget that continues to move our state forward and makes prudent investments in California’s families,” said Atkins.
