Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed budget, and according to the California Farm Bureau, it shows strong commitment to wildfire response, climate resilience and water infrastructure, but leaves gaps for agriculture and rural communities. Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass says farmers and ranchers are eager to help lead on wildfire prevention, but notes that funding for proactive strategies on working lands remains limited. … While she welcomes investments in flood protection, groundwater recharge and drought resilience, she says infrastructure alone will not deliver results unless projects are paired with regulatory efficiency so they can move forward.

Other California budget and water news:

• CalMatters: Gavin Newsom forecasts a rosier California budget and banks on AI boom continuing
• Agri-Pulse: What Newsom’s budget plan means for ag, water and farmworker communities
• Gov. Gavin Newsom: News release: Governor Newsom announces proposed budget that refills the state’s “Rainy Day Fund,” protects previous accomplishments, and makes historic investments in education
• Sierra Club: Blog: Governor Newsom’s budget proposal leans on volatile funding sources for environmental priorities