Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a $322 billion budget without a deficit, a welcome change after two years of significant budget shortfalls in the nation's most populous state.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Monday proposed a $322 billion budget that he said would be “balanced” and without deficits — marking a significant turnaround after two years of shortfalls. Newsom delivered a “top-line” version of the 2025-2026 budget proposal at a Monday press conference,

In education, popular programs like free school meals, before-and-after-school care, and summer school will remain intact. The budget fully funds universal transitional kindergarten, offering free education to approximately 400,