California governor, lawmakers announce $125 billion budget deal
SACRAMENTO Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders said Tuesday they have agreed to a $125 billion budget that would expand a tax credit for the working poor, increase spending on safety net programs and boost payments for doctors and dentists.
The budget agreement sets up votes in the state Senate and Assembly on Thursday, the last day for lawmakers to approve a budget without losing pay under a voter-approved ballot measure that withholds lawmakers' paychecks if they don't meet budget deadlines.
The spending plan, which Brown called "balanced and progressive," also includes a one-time payment to the state's largest public-employee pension fund and more money for higher education. It does not reverse spending agreed to last year, as Brown had proposed.
"This budget keeps California on a sound fiscal path and continues to support struggling families and make investments in our schools," Brown said in a statement.
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