The state says it has reserves to weather a tough year but a recession could deepen the deficit in years ahead.

Gov. Gavin Newsom reveals his revised May budget, including his inflation relief plan and spending priorities on education, the environment.

The spending plan includes $600 stimulus checks for nearly two of every three Californians, renter assistance and small business relief.

Some people have called the fact that San Jose will have 9 million dollars more than anticipated a “surplus.” Having this money will allow the city to avoid layoffs and add funding for libraries, as well as anti-gang programs this coming fiscal year. The mayor has called it a 1-percent cushion, because this money came about from last year’s budget action of layoffs and across-the-board pay cuts for all employees. Having enough money to provide some services does not equate to a “surplus” or a “cushion,” in my opinion.