SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California lawmakers are poised to approve a framework for a $214.8 billion budget, with a large focus on education and fighting state fires.
Wildfires
The budget features a spending package worth more than $50 million allocated just for fighting wildfires. The focus on wildfire safety comes after the most devastating wildfire season in state history.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection would receive $40.3 million to purchase 13 new fire engines and hire 131 people to operate them.
It also includes $13.1 million to accept seven used C-130 air tankers from the federal government.
The air tankers are free, but the state must pay to maintain and operate them.
Education
A big portion of the budget will also go toward education and providing health insurance for undocumented immigrants.
The spending plan is the first under Governor Gavin Newsom, who has positioned himself as resistor-in-chief to Republican President Donald Trump's administration.
Within education, the budget would offer students studying to be teachers grants of up to $20,000 with the promise of then teaching in STEM subjects.
State law requires lawmakers to pass the framework by midnight Saturday.
However, lawmakers reached an agreement on Sunday night and scheduled a vote for Thursday, days ahead of the deadline.