Democrats at odds over California budget surplus

California is enjoying a revenue surplus for a change, and that’s causing disagreement among Democrats.

Gov. Jerry Brown is reaping the benefits of an economic turn-around and higher taxes as he prepares to release his update Tuesday for the coming fiscal year’s budget. The state has collected $4.5 billion more than expected from personal income taxes.

But the Democratic governor, who has pledged to maintain fiscal restraint, faces pent-up pressure from members of his own party.

Democratic lawmakers want to restore adult dental care, child care and health services for the poor while expanding mental health care.

The Brown administration says education will take the largest share of the extra money under the state’s funding formula. Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer cautions that the additional revenue could be a one-time phenomenon.