Jerry Brown signs budget; California government 'actually working'

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Source: LAT

Gov. Jerry Brown signed California’s new $156.3-billion budget on Friday, ensuring a permanent source of state funding for construction of the bullet train he has championed.

The budget, which includes a $108-billion general fund, $7.3 billion larger than last year's, also increases welfare payments and expands preschool for children from poor families.

Brown and state lawmakers also included a long-term plan for eliminating the shortfall in the teacher pension fund, one of California’s worst financial problems. The state, schools and employees will contribute more money into the fund, with schools bearing the brunt of the costs.

The governor hailed the budget as another step forward for a state that was infamous for financial mismanagement and dysfunction.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-jerry-brown-signs-budget-in-san-diego-20140619-story.html