WATCH: California lawmakers begin to think of 2026 priorities

(The Center Square) – As the second week begins for the new legislative year, California lawmakers still aren’t sure what should top their priorities.

However, some legislators told The Center Square about key projects they hope to introduce during bills in 2026.

Multiple lawmakers want to advance legislation for housing, public transit and wildfire recovery.

Overshadowing legislators’ individual legislative priorities: California’s $18 billion budget deficit, first projected by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office in November. The deficit is the result of funding obligations to K-12 schools and community colleges and funding the state’s Budget Stabilization Account, often known as the “rainy day” fund, according to the governor’s proposed budget released on Friday.

“The only discussion we’ve had so far is on the budget,...