(Sacramento, CA) — Democrats in the California state senate are releasing their “Early Action Budget Plan” they say will shrink the expected shortfall by over 17-billion dollars. They say it’s “step one of this year’s budget process, which will ultimately lead to a balanced, on-time, responsible budget. They added that the plan protects core programs, includes no new tax increases for Californians, makes necessary reductions, and takes a prudent approach to utilizing the Rainy Day Fund.

Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement Thursday saying the budget crisis will “require big solutions” and he appreciates the Senate’s plan. The governor goes on to say he looks “forward to seeing this proposal move forward quickly.”