Budget Approved By Lawmakers

Lawmakers have passed a $115.4 billion budget as part of a compromise with Gov. Jerry Brown.

It was approved in both chambers Friday after a higher budget was submitted earlier this week that had more social welfare spending. The proposal now heads back to the governor’s desk.

Sen. Jean Fuller of Bakersfield said she’s not happy with the budget. The Republican says the proposal provides too big of a spending increase. She says it also fails to significantly pay down debt or provide needed funds for infrastructure repairs.

Sen. Andy Vidak says he didn’t agree with everything in the budget, but likes components of it. The Republican from Hanford said he appreciates how the proposal prioritizes education, saves for a rainy day, provides an earned income tax credit for the poor and sets aside $45 million for local law enforcement.

– Anthony Pollreisz