Democrats Counter Brown's Budget Proposal

Legislative Democrats are finalizing a California budget proposal that highlights some big differences between their priorities and those of Gov. Jerry Brown.

The California constitution requires state lawmakers to pass a spending plan by Monday. Democratic legislative leaders likely need to reach a deal with the governor in the next couple of days if they’re going to vote on that deal by the deadline. Otherwise, majority Democrats will likely pass their own budget while negotiations continue.

That proposal is now taking shape. It was finalized by a legislative conference committee Tuesday night. Notable differences with the governor's "May Revise" budget proposal include:

• $392 million to add child care and preschool slots and raise provider rates. Many of the increases would not take effect until later in the fiscal year.
• $70 million more for the CSU system, and $25 million for the UC – but the UC would only get its money if it increases in-state enrollment.
• A 5 percent increase in Medi-Cal provider rates. Dental provider rates would be increased July 1, while other provider rates would go up in April 2016.
• Repealing the "Maximum Family Grant" rule that limits when a family can receive an additional welfare grant for a new baby.

The governor is pushing to limit that additional spending.

The new fiscal year starts July 1.