California leaders approve budget to close $12bn deficit in blow to progressive causes

<p>Newsom expected to sign plan that avoids key safety net cuts as state forced to slash funding for third straight year</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/california">California</a> lawmakers on Friday approved a budget that pares back a number of progressive priorities, including a landmark healthcare expansion for low-income adult immigrants without legal status, to close a $12bn deficit.</p><p>It is the third year in a row the nation’s most populous state has been forced to slash funding or stop some of the programs championed by Democratic leaders. This year’s $321bn spending plan was negotiated by legislative leaders and the Democratic governor, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gavin-newsom">Gavin Newsom</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/27/california-senate-approves-budget-newsom">Continue reading...</a>