Sophie Austin

California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a nearly $352 billion budget that delays planned healthcare cuts, expands childcare funding, and strengthens election administration while avoiding broad tax hikes. Democratic lawmakers emphasized protecting vulnerable residents and balancing the budget, while Republicans argued the plan postpones difficult fiscal decisions. Increased tax revenue helped reverse some earlier cuts, though unresolved issues such as Medi-Cal changes and cap‑and‑trade allocations were deferred. The budget also increases the governor’s authority over the state Department of Education and funds efforts to address election administration and misinformation ahead of November’s competitive races.