NextGen California presses for more funding after Newsom’s May budget revision

By AI, Created 7:08 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – NextGen California is weighing in after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May budget update and the Legislature’s suspense-file votes, saying California is in position to protect key programs but should go further on climate, education, immigration and workforce policy. The group also highlighted several priority bills that advanced while others stalled in committee.

Why it matters: - California’s May budget revision sets the frame for final negotiations on the 2026-27 state budget. - The proposal aims to erase projected deficits in both 2026-27 and 2027-28, which would ease pressure on core public programs. - NextGen California wants lawmakers to use the budget deal to strengthen climate, education, digital equity, immigrant support and workforce training programs.

What happened: - Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his May Budget Revision on May 14, updating the 2026-27 California State Budget. - The revised plan puts the General Fund at $246.6 billion and is designed to fully eliminate projected deficits for 2026-27 and 2027-28. - The Governor and Legislature are now in negotiations to meet constitutional budget deadlines, with votes due by June 15 and final budget talks likely to continue until July 1. - NextGen California released a statement responding to the budget and to the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees’ suspense-file decisions on May 14. - The group highlighted several priority bills that moved forward in the Appropriations process.

The details: - The May Revision includes funding shifts, new investments and cuts intended to keep the budget balanced. - The Governor’s office says the revised revenue outlook reflects the fiscal impact of actions by the current federal administration. - California’s economy remains diversified across agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and film and television. - Newsom’s revised budget includes investments tied to the federal Workforce Pell program for older and returning adult learners. - The proposal keeps California’s free and healthy school meals effort intact to address food insecurity. - The budget also includes support for legal rights for immigrant communities, including people facing immigration court proceedings. - NextGen California says California should also consider more funding for Cap-and-Invest, digital equity and accessibility, expanded educational opportunities, and apprenticeships. - Arnold Sowell Jr., NextGen California’s executive director, said the state is on sound fiscal footing but urged Newsom to do more in climate, higher education, student loan protection and workforce development. - NextGen California said AB 2301 by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria would create a pilot program at 10 community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing. - NextGen California said AB 1807 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel would bar state property from being used for immigration enforcement. - NextGen California said AB 1857 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry would prohibit restrictive lease covenants that block new grocery stores from opening in certain locations. - NextGen California said SB 1164 by Sen. Caroline Menjivar Cervantes would prohibit all forms of voter discrimination. - The group said other priority bills were cut short this year, including AB 2600 by Assemblymember Rob Bonta, SB 961 by Sen. Monique Limón Ashby, AB 2213 by Assemblymember Alex Lee, and AB 1823 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson.

Between the lines: - The budget revision signals that California can balance fiscal restraint with targeted investments, but the remaining negotiations will determine how far the state goes on policy priorities. - NextGen California is using the budget moment to push for broader progressive investments while also defending bills that survived the committee bottleneck. - The group’s message suggests that balancing the budget is necessary, but not sufficient, for its priorities in climate, equity and workforce development.

What’s next: - Lawmakers and the Governor will keep negotiating the final 2026-27 budget and trailer bills through mid-June and likely into the start of the new fiscal year. - NextGen California said it will keep pressing the Administration and legislators for stronger funding and policy action on vulnerable communities. - The group plans to continue pushing the bills and programs it says would expand opportunity, strengthen protections and improve California’s long-term resilience. - NextGen California is marking its 10th anniversary this year and says it will continue advocating for what it calls a more equitable and climate-resilient California.

The bottom line: - Newsom’s revised budget moves California toward a balanced plan, but advocacy groups like NextGen California want the final deal to do more for climate, equity, immigrants, students and workers.