With the swearing-in of new state electeds just days behind us, the budget battles of 2023 are underway as Assembly Democrats announced on Wednesday their budget priorities. As reported by CalMatters, the move marks the start of a long process that culminates in June. However, unlike last year’s windfall of funds which allowed for robust spending, this year’s budget could be a bit tighter due to an estimated $25 billion deficit we had recently shared. In the announcement, Democrats are quick to point out that the state is prepared to weather economic downturns while still prioritizing the gains made in education, homelessness support, and health care. The next major step in the budget dance will be Governor Newsom’s proposed budget which will be unveiled on or before January 10th.