◼ As California begins to see budget surpluses in the wake of a 2012 statewide tax increase, state schools chief Tom Torlakson is already calling for an extension of Proposition 30 beyond its full expiration in 2018. - Diana Lambert/Sacramento Bee
Torlakson's remarks came just as reporters obtained Brown's budget proposal, which calls for spending $6.3 billion more on K-12 schools and community colleges in 2014-15 beyond what had been dedicated for this school year. Much of that new money will go toward low-income students and English-language learners.
◼ Gov. Jerry Brown to propose billions in new spending - LA Times
When he unveils his new budget plan Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown will propose billions of dollars in new spending on schools, healthcare, social services and environmental programs as California reaps the benefits of an economic turnaround.
The governor's $155-billion blueprint would increase general-fund spending by more than 8%, to $106.8 billion. Brown also wants to repay $11 billion in debts incurred during years of state financial crisis, and he would stash $1.6 billion in a reserve fund as a buffer against future economic turmoil.
"Wisdom and prudence should be the order of the day," Brown wrote in an introductory message to his 271-page plan, which was leaked ahead of his official announcement, originally scheduled for Friday.
◼ Maldonado, eyeing governor's post, slams Brown budget on jobs, taxes - LA Times
"Too many Californians are suffering today because our state’s economy is lagging so badly," Maldonado said in a statement. "Jerry Brown’s budget proposal does little to help our state create the jobs needed so that Californians can continue to live here and not have to look beyond our borders for economic opportunity. It leaves in place the nation’s highest income and sales tax rates. There is no meaningful reform of a byzantine tax system."
◼ CA GOP Leadership Responds To Governor's Budget
◼ The Governor released his proposed budget today - and Republicans warn the Democrats that increased revenue doesn't mean we have a "surplus" and that they shouldn't ignore the reality of California's massive debt. - CaGOP
◼ Tim Donnelly’s Statement on Governor Brown’s Budget Release
◼ Maldonado responds to Jerry Brown's proposed California State Budget
