SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a nearly $352 billion spending plan Monday that delays some cuts to healthcare programs, increases funding for childcare and sets aside money to help speed up the state’s vote count ahead of the November election.The plan, which avoids major cuts or significant new spending, is Newsom’s last before he leaves office in January and as he considers a presidential run. California’s spending priorities are likely to be under a microscope if he seeks the White House. Newsom used the budget deal’s passage as a chance to highlight some of those priorities over his nearly eight years as governor. He released a video address touting state policies and spending to provide free meals at school, expand internet access, ramp up renewable energy production, and raise the minimum wage for fast food and healthcare workers.
He also noted the budget approved this year puts more money into state reserves, which he said shows the state’s fiscal prudence in the face of criticism that California lacks restraint when spending taxpayer dollars.He tried to contrast California — which is the frequent target of attacks by GOP politicians including President Donald Trump — with Republican-led states and the federal administration.“To every other state across our country — to Washington, D.C. — to anyone who’s been told that responsibility and ambition can’t share the same balance sheet: Come to California,” he said.
