According to Governor Jerry Brown's proposed 2013 budget, California's deficit is finally gone. The governor says he now wants to focus on fiscal restraint to keep the state on the right path.
After years of deficits and deep cuts, California's finances might be back on track.
Governor Jerry Brown (D-CA) says, "Right now and for the next four years, we're talking about a balanced budget. We're talking about living within our means. This is new. This is breakthrough."
The governor is thanking tough cuts and new taxes for this breakthrough. Thursday, he released his proposed $97.7 billion spending plan.
At the top of the list is education. An extra $2.7 billion will go toward K-12 schools. $250 million is dedicated to higher education.
Fresno State student Sean Kiernan says, "This additional funding in the governor's budget is excellent, however it's doesn't restore what we've lost entirely."
Governor Brown doesn't just have his eye on education. The budget earmarks $27 million for veterans homes in Fresno and Redding. The Fresno facility will now be fully funded.
Henry T. Perea (D-State Assembly) says, "I'm pleased that our veterans, now with certainty, will now know that they can move into their homes this fall and we'll be adding hundreds of jobs."
Healthcare spending will also rise more than a billion dollars, but Brown said he hasn't committed to a Medi-Cal expansion.
Sophia DeWitt was protesting the governor's budget. She has cerebral palsy and is calling on the state to bring back the healthcare programs it once had.
"Now that we have a better budget picture, it's time to begin restoring critical services to individuals in our state who are most vulnerable."
"Fiscal discipline, balance allows us to take care of the needs of the people over time instead of just having a momentary rash of excitement and then we pay with a hangover several years later," says Brown.
TXT 24
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