THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE HAS APPROVED A GENERAL FUND BUDGET. THE 108-BILLION-DOLLAR SPENDING PLAN WAS PASSED YESTERDAY BY A 55-TO-24 VOTE BEFORE THE MIDNIGHT DEADLINE. THE BUDGET WILL AIM TO PAY DOWN DEBT WHILE DISTRIBUTING SURPLUS TO PROGRAMS FOR LOWER-INCOME CALIFORNIANS. THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINS JULY 1ST.
