The daffodils are out and the cherry blossoms are about to burst as legislators start the final stretch of what has been a relatively calm – at least to outsiders – session. That is going to change.
The biggest bit of business is passing the operating, construction and transportation two-year budgets. With the recent revenue forecast March 17 down by nearly $800 million more than previously projected, deeper and more significant funding cuts will be needed than those proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire last December.
Those counting on a robust capital budget are sure to be disappointed, although both chambers have indicated the school construction assistance account will receive top priority.
As policy committees wrapped up business Friday, attention now shifts to the budgets and to floor action. Still no concrete date on when House Ways & Means budget chair Ross Hunter, D-Medina, will release a budget proposal, but it is expected next week.
Read the full update.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
