"California Democrats Unveil $17 Billion Deficit Reduction Plan"

California Democratic leaders have agreed on a plan to reduce the state's budget deficit by $17.3 billion through a combination of spending cuts, delays, and deferrals, following a period of unprecedented surplus budgets during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes cuts to primarily one-time funding for schools, welfare, and climate programs, as well as delaying and deferring spending for various programs. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the new budget plan next week, with Gov. Gavin Newsom set to present his revised budget proposal in May.