SACRAMENTO, CA--The California Senate has approved an almost $200 billion budget which set asides money for several issues that progressive groups deem important such as education, homelessness and transportation.

The budget also approves $300 million for schools to boost the academic performance of underachieving students. This was an issue black voters and legislators lobbied to be on the ballot. However, it is a compromise with Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) who had requested ongoing funding for this project.

The $300 million is a one-time funding allocation.

"We cannot look the other way anymore. African-American children in California persistently fall behind academically,” said Weber