The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education convened on June 10, 2025, to finalize discussions on the state budget, focusing on education funding. This meeting marked the conclusion of a series of hearings where committee members reviewed the governor's proposed budget and gathered public input over several months.

Senator Laird, who led the meeting, emphasized the extensive deliberations that took place, noting that the subcommittee had examined every detail of the budget proposals. The discussions highlighted a commitment to maintaining funding for higher education, despite significant proposed cuts in the governor's revised budget. The legislative budget aims to protect the University of California and California State University systems from ongoing reductions, which was a key concern for many stakeholders.

A major point of contention was the proposed cuts to the Middle Class Scholarship program, which the subcommittee addressed by prioritizing student aid programs. The budget also reflects a dual focus on both higher education and K-12 education, with the latter being guided by Proposition 98, which ensures funding stability for schools.

In addition to protecting educational funding, the budget includes investments in youth mental health services, universal school meal programs, and educator support. The subcommittee's approach aims to ensure fiscal stability for future legislatures, avoiding difficult budgetary decisions down the line.

As the committee prepares to vote on the budget, they are working towards meeting the June 15 deadline. This effort includes ongoing discussions with the administration and various stakeholders to finalize a comprehensive budget that addresses the needs of California's education system. The outcomes of this meeting will have significant implications for students, educators, and families across the state, as they seek to navigate the challenges of funding and support in education.