California lawmakers OK budget, most taxpayers to get refund

Members of the California state Assembly meet at the Capitol in Sacramento Monday, June 20. California lawmakers will vote on a nearly $308 billion state budget, Wednesday, June 29. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
ADAM BEAMThe Associated PressSACRAMENTO (AP) – California lawmakers Wednesday, June 29, approved a nearly $308 billion spending plan that includes money to cover abortions for women who can’t afford them and the health care costs for low-income adults living in the country illegally while sending cash payments to most taxpayers to help offset record-high gas prices.The operating budget now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, who could sign it by the end of the week before lawmakers leave town for their summer recess.The budget continues a remarkable turnaround for the nation’s most populous state, which just two years ago raised taxes and slashed spending to cover what they feared would be a staggering $54.3 billion budget deficit caused by the pandemic.Instead,
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