California lawmakers have reached a budget deal with Gov. Jerry Brown that calls for deep cuts in social services to address the state’s fiscal woes. The plan would eliminate a program that provides health insurance to nearly one million children of low-income families. It would also reduce college aid, cut funding for child care assistance and impose stricter work requirements and shorter time limits for welfare. The plan avoids a potential showdown after Gov. Brown pushed for more social spending cuts following the legislature’s passage of a $92 billion budget last week. California could also see billions of dollars in cuts to schools if voters fail to pass tax hikes slated for the November ballot.
