BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Even as the world’s fourth-largest economy, California continues to face worsening budget shortfalls.

The state recorded a $27 billion deficit in 2023–24, followed by $55 billion in 2024–25, and now expects another $15 billion deficit this year.

A shortfall once projected at $13 billion for next year has also grown, now estimated to reach nearly $18 billion.

Political analyst Ian Anderson says a mix of lawsuits, administrative changes, and reduced federal support are contributing to the widening gap.

“California and the federal administration do not tend to see eye to eye on a lot of funding streams,” Anderson said. “That means there’s a lot of uncertainty in the reliability of what’s being funded.”

One of the organizations feeling the strain is The Missio

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