Governor Gavin Newsom and California legislative leaders are locked in a budget dispute as the fiscal year deadline approaches. - Newsom proposes a $349.4 billion budget that cuts spending on education and health services to address deficits.
- Legislative leaders want to restore cuts and increase spending by over $6 billion, citing the need to protect safety net programs. - The clash echoes historical tensions between governors and legislators over political agenda dominance.
- A final budget must be agreed upon by July 1 to avoid a lapse in spending authority.