SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Democratic leaders have announced they have agreed on a plan to reduce the state’s staggering budget deficit by $17.3 billion. California is facing a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall of at least $37.9 billion. The agreement announced Thursday includes a $3.6 billion cut in primarily one-time funding, delaying and deferring about $5.2 billion in spending on various programs. It also authorizes Gov. Gavin Newsom to freeze an unspecified additional one-time funding. It omits a previous proposal to cut housing and homeless services. Republicans say they were shut out of the conversation. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the deal next week.
