California budget: More detail on cuts, more pushback

(CALMATTERS) – Gov. Gavin Newsom released his revised budget proposal last week, but this week more details are emerging about how he plans to close the remaining shortfall — now pegged at $27.6 billion (though the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office is expected to issue a higher deficit number). To balance the 2024-25 budget, Newsom has proposed dipping into reserves, canceling spending and cutting existing programs. For 2024-25 and 2025-26 combined,& he’s calling to cut& $19.1 billion in one-time spending plus $13.7 billion in ongoing programs.& These cuts are provoking the loudest outrage from advocates and legislators, who have been ramping up appeals to protect program funding.& Wednesday, Democratic legislators including West Covina Sen.& Susan Rubio& and Moreno Valley Assemblymember& Corey Jackson& joined members of the Service Employees International Union California and youth advocates at a Capitol rally to push back against potential cuts to CalWORKs, CalFresh and other social welfare programs.& Newsom proposes to reduce funding for CalWORKs by $272 million in 2024-25, in addition to a nearly $126 million reduction in the program’s mental health and substance abuse services. Funds totaling $31.2 million in 2024-25 to expand the state’s food assistance program could also be delayed. Jackson, at the...