California governor, lawmakers agree to $125 billion budget deal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders said Tuesday they have agreed to a $125 billion budget that would expand a tax credit for the working poor, increase spending on safety net programs and boost payments for doctors and dentists.

The budget agreement sets up votes in the state Senate and Assembly on Thursday, the last day for lawmakers to approve a budget without losing pay under a voter-approved measure that withholds lawmakers’ paychecks if they don’t meet budget deadlines.

The spending plan, which Brown called “balanced and progressive,” also includes a one-time payment to the state’s largest public-employee pension fund and more money for higher education. It does not reverse spending agreed to last year, as Brown had proposed.

“This budget keeps California on a sound fiscal path and continues to support struggling families and make investments in our schools,” Brown said in a statement.

Brown negotiated the deal with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-paramount, and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-los Angeles. The $125 billion price tag represents general fund spending. When bonds and special funds are included, the budget is $183 billion.

Democratic lawmakers celebrated expanded funding for social services.

More people will become eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides a cash injection for the working poor. The deal will allow people with an income up to about $22,000 to qualify, up from $14,161 for adults with three or more children. It also will allow people to qualify even if their income is from self-employment, such as driving for ride-hailing companies.