California Approves $298 Billion Budget Amid Deficit Challenges

Lawmakers balance progressive priorities with significant cuts to address a $46.8 billion shortfall.

The budget includes funding for homelessness grants, public health, and affordable housing.
Spending cuts affect corrections, state operations, and delay minimum wage increases for health workers.
Lawmakers propose temporary tax increases on businesses to generate additional revenue.
Two bond measures for school facilities and climate change programs are set for the November ballot.
Republicans criticize the exclusion from budget negotiations and the impact on small businesses.