SACRAMENTO, Calif. — (AP) — California lawmakers have slammed Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal that reflects the state's massive effort to fight the coronavirus.

Most lawmakers did not ask questions Tuesday. Instead, they criticized the proposed budget cuts to public education, health care and environmental protections.

Few lawmakers offered an alternative plan.

The state is facing an estimated $54.3 billion budget deficit because of the economic fallout from the coronavirus.

Lawmakers must approve a budget by June 15 or they don't get paid.

The state Assembly met as a committee in a rare procedure that lets lawmakers take testimony from the Newsom administration while also asking questions.