Democrats Pressure Gov. Brown For Social Spending

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Anticipating a surplus, Democratic state lawmakers are pressuring Gov. Jerry Brown to increasing spending to assist those who have been missing out on the economic recovery.

California is expected to reach record spending levels when Brown releases his budget proposal Friday.

But Brown said in his inauguration address that he will emphasize restraint instead of making massive new financial commitments to education and health and human services.

That is putting him at odds with fellow Democrats, who control both the Senate and Assembly.

The Legislature is led by two leaders who grew up in poverty and want to increase opportunities in education, housing and jobs. Both say they would like to see Brown allocate more for the poor.

Advocates say Brown shouldn't ignore the issue of income inequality.

Jerry Brown