Brown faces California budget fight as surplus grows

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown is facing a bruising fight with the Legislature after he produced a revised budget proposal that shows a surplus of nearly $9 billion.

Brown said Friday that the budget picture looks good now but will eventually turn sour. He proposed saving the vast majority of the surplus for future emergencies, increasing the rainy day fund to $14 billion.

Democratic legislative leaders are eager to boost funding for welfare, health care and higher education at a time when the state is struggling with rising homelessness and inequality.

Brown’s $138 billion revised general fund budget is up nearly $6 billion from his January proposal.

Lawmakers have until June 15 to pass a budget.