Gov. Gavin Newsom (D‑CA) and Democratic lawmakers in California reached an agreement Thursday to slash the state’s massive budget deficit by $17.3 billion through an array of cuts, delays, and deferrals.
Though the state’s exact budget deficit is uncertain, the Legislative Analyst Office reported it was $73 billion earlier this year, while Newsom says it’s $38 billion. In any case, lawmakers have found a way to begin filling the shortfall after state Senate leaders proposed a “Shrink the Shortfall” plan last month, which included Newsom’s budget suggestions from January.
The agreement proposes $3.6 billion in cuts to areas of welfare, climate programs, and some schools. It also maps out $5.2 billion in delays and deferrals, including public transportation.
Another $3.4 billion in ex …