Budget

In a move with little precedent, majority Democrats say they'll set aside a pool of money for GOP lawmakers to spend on their own priorities — no strings attached.

Congress approved a measure to increase the debt limit by $2.5 trillion, shifting the deadline for default until after the 2022 midterm elections.

Congress passed a complicated process that could avoid a potential federal default. It ends a months-long standoff as Republicans have refused to join Democrats in voting to increase the debt limit.

A day before the Friday deadline, lawmakers approved a spending bill that will keep federal agencies running through Feb. 18, 2022.

Remember the Golden State stimulus checks? Well, more might be landing in Californians' bank accounts in the near future.

Oregon economists continued to deliver optimistic news about the state’s budget picture on Wednesday, announcing they expect more than $700 million more in tax revenue than they projected only a few months ago.

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a huge expansion of the Cal Grant, the state’s main financial aid tool. It would have topped off a banner year for legislators who for years sought to reduce the cost of college.

Narrow margins in both the House and Senate and significant philosophical divisions inside the party mean Democratic leaders face a difficult task steering the massive bill.

The budget blueprint would use financial carrots and sticks to encourage utilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The "clean energy standard" is key to President Biden's climate goals.

Lawmakers say their budget deal with Gov. Gavin Newson will expand enrollment at public universities and create a debt-free grant. But those items aren’t getting a dollar this coming year. Instead, bill language says the money will come next year. Other major investments are in this year’s budget, though.

Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders reach a spending agreement to help residents recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis and, perhaps, help Newsom defeat a recall campaign.

A package working its way through the budget process will amount to the Legislature's largest-ever investment in necessary housing and services, advocates say.