California Legislature gets nearly $300 billion budget done

Five days before the new fiscal year begins, California lawmakers voted Wednesday night to approve the budget deal announced by the Legislature’s Democratic leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The outcome was never in doubt since the agreement was unveiled Saturday: Democrats control both the Assembly and Senate and don’t need any Republican votes to pass budgets.

But that didn’t stop some Republicans from taking the opportunity to complain about the closed-door decision-making on how the state will spend nearly $300 billion over the next year.

• Roseville Sen. Roger Niello, budget committee vice chairperson: “This is the majority’s party budget. … (It) ignores the priorities of 8 million residents of this state because none of my Republican colleagues were involved.”

In his criticisms, Republican Sen. Brian Dahle of Redding focused on the struggles of small businesses, arguing that increasing costs and regulations will negatively impact subsequent generations.

Democrats, including Senate leader Mike McGuire of Santa Rosa, defended the budget process and the deal, saying the Legislature held more than a hundred public hearings.

• McGuire: “No matter if you’re a Democrat or a Republican or no party preference, you’re going to benefit from this budget because it puts people first. … This budget is responsible and it’s deserving of our support.”

The budget covers a $56 billion shortfall over the next two years by cutting some programs, delaying others and dipping into reserves. To take money from the state’s rainy day fund, Newsom on Wednesday issued the official proclamation declaring a budget emergency. The budget bills now go to the governor for his signature.