California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a $288 billion state budget that aims to address the $27.6 billion deficit by cutting vacant state jobs and funding to over 200 state programs. Newsom emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility in unveiling his budget proposal for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This comes after a previous attempt to reduce the deficit by $17.3 billion fell short, with the actual deficit turning out to be closer to $45 billion.
Under the governor’s proposal, funding for 260 state programs would be slashed, including significant cuts to broadband expansion, water storage improvements, and employment services for California’s welfare system. Other cuts would involve closing housing units in prisons and reducing support for COVID-19 pandemic-related assistance to state and local health departments.
With an estimated deficit of $28.4 billion for the following year, Newsom stressed the importance of addressing the deficit not just for the current year but for the future as well. He emphasized the need for a two-year mindset in planning for California’s financial stability.
