"Newsom and Democrats Unveil Plan to Tackle Enormous Budget Deficit"

California faces a budget deficit of at least $38 billion, prompting Gov. Newsom and Democratic leaders to announce plans to begin reducing the shortfall in April, although they have yet to agree on specific cuts or a clear plan. Pressure is mounting on Democrats as they grapple with the looming fiscal crisis, with the Senate proposing $17 billion in early cuts and the Assembly seeking more time for deliberation. The lack of consensus and details in the announcement reflects the challenge of addressing what could be the state's largest fiscal deficit, forcing lawmakers to make difficult choices affecting millions of Californians.