Confusion Reigns During California Legislature’s Review of Newsom’s Budget Proposal

Lawmakers said if financial experts are having a hard time understanding the governor’s proposal to close the multi-billion budget gaps, so too are they.

The California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee reviews Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal in Sacramento, Calif., on Jan. 23, 2024. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—In the first public discussions since California Gov. Gavin Newsom released his budget proposal for the 2024–25 fiscal year earlier this month, the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office and lawmakers in both parties have expressed limited understanding of some parts of the plan.

Of particular concern is a lack of details related to $8 billion in proposed spending cuts for public schools and community colleges.