Brown faces California budget fight as surplus grows
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown faces a bruising fight with the Legislature over funding for welfare, health care and higher education after producing a revised budget proposal that shows a lot more money but not a lot more spending.
The state's budget surplus has ballooned to nearly $9 billion, the largest in at least 18 years, at a time when California is facing serious challenges like rising homelessness and growing inequality.
But in releasing his spending plan Friday Brown stuck to a familiar refrain: The good times are nearing their end and new spending would be irresponsible.
"It can get giddy at the peak," he said. "Don't fall over."
Brown's caution has frustrated fellow Democratic lawmakers who are eager to tap into the windfall driven by a strong economy and higher wages, particularly for wealthier taxpayers, to help people struggling with California's high costs.
Read more: http://www.wacotrib.com/news/ap_nation/brown-faces-california-budget-fight-as-surplus-grows/article_516f452b-d407-5afa-a006-86283d5002b2.html
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