The Latest: California Assembly passes $122 billion budget

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Latest on California’s budget (all times local):

4 p.m.:

California’s $122.5 billion budget has cleared one of its final hurdles with a party-line vote in the Legislature’s lower chamber.

Democrats in the California Assembly approved the funding plan on a 52-27 vote Wednesday.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia of Bell Gardens applauded the inclusion of $400 million for early education and childcare in the deal. As vice chairwoman of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, she also rallied behind the Legislature’s repeal of a welfare measure that capped premiums.

San Francisco Assemblyman Phil Ting, a Democrat, says the agreement boosts state reserves to a historic level totalling more than $9 billion.

Republicans have warned that expanded long-term spending commitments will lead to deficits down the road.

___

12 a.m.

California lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a state budget that boosts funding for safety net programs while socking away billions of dollars to prepare for a recession.

The full Legislature will decide Wednesday whether to back a budget agreement reached last week by Gov. Jerry Brown, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, all Democrats.

Democrats have generally praised the budget as a significant investment in alleviating the harmful effects of poverty on children. Republicans warned that expanded long-term spending commitments will lead to deficits down the road.

The budget is estimated at $122.5 billion. It would raise vehicle registration fees from $70 to $80 per year, generating about $400 million annually for several state agencies.