SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon today announced that they have reached an agreement on the 2018-19 state budget. The budget agreement makes record investments in schools and universities, creates the state’s first online community college, fully fills the Rainy Day Fund, boosts child care and combats homelessness and poverty.
“After detailed discussions, California is on the verge of having another on-time, balanced budget,” said Governor Brown. “From a $27 billion deficit in 2011, the state now enjoys a healthy surplus and a solid Rainy Day Fund.”
“From day one, we knew we needed to prepare for the inevitable economic downturn. That is why this budget balances fiscal responsibility with social responsibility by significantly expanding the Rainy Day Fund and also making record levels of investment in education funding – both K-12 and higher education – child care access, and funding to fight homelessness and to protect children from living in deep poverty. I commend Governor Brown for his steady leadership throughout his years as Governor of this great state, and to Speaker Rendon for his partnership in the Legislature. We have crafted the strongest budget possible for the people of California,” said Senate President pro Tempore Atkins.
“This budget agreement brings together shared priorities of the Assembly, the Senate, and the Governor — easing the homelessness crisis, providing a pathway toward healthcare for all, lifting families out of poverty, keeping college affordable for California students, and building responsible reserves as protection against tough times. No single budget can capture all the opportunities California has, or meet all the challenges we face — but the smart and sensible choices in this budget absolutely move California closer to where we want and need to be,” said Assembly Speaker Rendon.
The Budget Conference Committee will review the details of the agreement today.
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