Democrats Push Spending Plan That Relies On Higher Revenues

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Democratic state lawmakers are using higher revenue estimates to bolster their argument for spending more on social programs for the poor over Gov. Jerry Brown's cost concerns.

California's budget deadline is one week away and the Legislature is finalizing a proposed spending plan that's roughly $2 billion higher than Brown's $115 billion budget.

Democrats control both houses of the Legislature and have made it their priority to improve working conditions for poor and minority Californians. They want higher state spending on health care, welfare, child care and higher education.

Lawmakers are using upbeat projections from a nonpartisan budget analyst on how much revenue the state will bring in.

The Legislature faces a June 15 deadline approve and send a budget to Brown. He could use his veto to limit spending.