State leaders reach budget agreement

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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and top lawmakers said Friday night that they have reached a deal to close the state’s $19.1-billion deficit.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), flanked by three other legislative leaders, proclaimed a ‘comprehensive agreement,’ although he offered no details about what it contained.

“The details will come out next week,’ said Aaron McLear, Schwarzenegger’s press secretary.

Lawmakers promised a full hearing on the deal early next week and a vote of the Legislature as early as Thursday.

Friday’s announcement came after a five-hour negotiating session.

‘Nobody’s celebrating here,’ Steinberg said of what would become the latest budget in state history.

-- Shane Goldmacher in Sacramento