The spending plan foresees a deficit of $9.2 billion. If the tax increase isn’t passed, Brown’s plan forecasts a $4.8 billion cut in support for elementary, high school and community-college education.

“The state of California is a very generous, compassionate political jurisdiction,” Brown said. “When we have to cut spending, that spending is going to come from programs that are doing a lot of good. It’s not nice. We don’t like it. But the economy and tax statutes of California make just so much money available.”

Brown, a 73-year-old Democrat, wants to raise income taxes on individuals making at least $250,000 a year to 10.3 percent from 9.3 percent, and would boost sales levies to 7.75 percent from 7.25 percent.

The most-populous state cut aid last year to universities, shifted responsibility for prisoners to counties and dissolved local redevelopment agencies. Last month, Brown had to trigger $1 billion in additional cuts he built into the current year’s budget after revenue fell below his estimates.

Brown was scheduled to release his budget Jan. 10, but was forced to unveil it today after it was inadvertently posted to his Finance Department’s website early.