California leaders approve budget to close $12bn deficit in blow to progressive causes

Newsom expected to sign plan that avoids key safety net cuts as state forced to slash funding for third straight year

California lawmakers on Friday approved a budget that pares back a number of progressive priorities, including a landmark healthcare expansion for low-income adult immigrants without legal status, to close a $12bn deficit.

It is the third year in a row the nation's most populous state has been forced to slash funding or stop some of the programs championed by Democratic leaders. This year's $321bn spending plan was negotiated by legislative leaders and the Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.