Governor Brown’s proposed state budget likely to maintain slow-growth, tax credit for poor

Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to maintain a slow-growth approach for California in his revised $113 billion general fund spending plan.

By voter-approved law, the state must spend the lion’s share of the surplus on public schools and filling California’s savings account.

The governor’s budget proposal on Thursday will also include a plan to offer an earned income tax credit for the working poor, at a cost of $380 million a year. It responds to fellow Democrats, who have been Brown to spend more to expand child care, fund higher education and tackle poverty.

Brown’s budget could include more spending to expand water supplies and fight wildfires amid the drought.

The governor also is expected to provide an update on talks with UC President Janet Napolitano, who sought tuition increases.