Gavin Newsom’s last budget: A 40% increase since he took office

As California lawmakers near the start of the fiscal year, they're set to approve Gov. Gavin Newsom's final budget plan as governor, marking a 40% increase since he took office. This $351 billion proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year aims to balance the state budget through 2028, highlighting Newsom's significant impact on state spending. The budget's approval underscores the ongoing debate over California's fiscal priorities and the challenges of maintaining a balanced budget amid rising expenditures and economic pressures.