Governor Newsom's final budget proposal takes a cautious approach to address California's fiscal volatility, but faces legislative pushback over healthcare cuts and tax increases. - The $349.4 billion budget aims to erase a $125 billion structural deficit over four years.
- It relies on $16.5 billion in new revenues and reduced federal healthcare aid. - Critics argue cuts to Medi-Cal harm low-income Californians.
- The Legislature may push for tax increases to restore safety net funding. The budget's fate remains uncertain as Newsom's term ends and legislative influence grows.