The California legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom reached an agreement this week on the 2023-24 state budget–coming to terms on a $310.8 billion deal, with $225.9 billion in general fund spending.
The budget, which passed the state Senate and Assembly this week and is expected to be signed by Newsom by Friday, culminates weeks of negotiations and more than 120 public meetings. California’s fiscal year begins July 1.
The budget closes what was expected to be a nearly $32 billion deficit brought on this year by an unexpected drop in revenues due partly to rising inflation and an overall slower economy. The new budget maintains $37.8 billion in reserves.
“In the face of continued global economic uncertainty, this budget increases our fiscal discipline by growing our budget reserves to a record $38 billion, while preserving historic investments in public education, health care, climate and public safety,” Newsom said in a statement.
The budget includes increased funds for housing, homeless services, public schools, community colleges, early childhood education and higher education.
About $10 million is earmarked for North Bay projects, according to 3rd District state Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa). Among the North Bay initiatives, according to Dodd’s office, are the following:
Sonoma County Regional Parks: $1.25 million to Sonoma County Regional Parks with $1 million intended for Larson Park renovation and $250,000 intended to support Sonoma Valley fire resiliency projects.
Napa County: $3.5 million to the County of Napa. Of that amount, $3 million is intended for development and improvement of major emergency evacuation routes and firefighter access; $500,000 is intended for regional climate planning.
Napa Valley College Foundation: $1.5 million to the Napa Valley College Foundation for construction of a new technical education center at Napa Valley College.
Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose 1st District includes the Sonoma Valley, applauded the funds coming Larson Park’s way.
“Larson Park is a beloved neighborhood park, surrounded by hundreds of families in Boyes Hot Springs needing a safe place to gather,” Gorin said in a statement. “Sadly, the park facilities are in poor condition; the master plan was approved by the board several years ago, but it has been awaiting an infusion of resources to complete the desperately needed renovations.”
In regard to the funds for the technical education center, Napa Valley College President Torence Powell said, “Students in our welding and machine tools programs will directly benefit from these funds.”
For more information on the budget, visit ebudget.ca.gov.
