Day 29 of the 30-day special session was full of hurry up and wait moments, marked by hours of negotiating in the Governor's office by key leadership and budget negotiators.
As an example, the House Ways and Means Committee scheduled an executive session for noon today. After playing a game of room switch, going back and forth between buildings, the committee reported a time change to 3 p.m. A while later, it was changed to 4 p.m., then TVW reported a 6 p.m. (unconfirmed) meeting. Finally the notice just read "postponed" indefinitely, and then about 8:20 p.m., the meeting was cancelled.
Negotiators joined the Governor at 12:30 p.m. today and met until about 3:30 p.m. They took a break, then resumed meetings, telling their respective caucus members to return by 5:45 p.m. that stretched beyond 7 p.m. They went back into the Governor's conference room at 8 p.m.
So ... What are they doing?
Three reform issues: changes to the early retirement option for new hires, a four-year balanced budget, and changes to the K-12 health benefits system (SSB 5940). Word on the street now if that they are briefing parties on the latest health benefits alternative. WSSDA weighed in earlier in the day, providing information to all four corners regarding district concerns
and suggestions.
In an effort to pacify WEA and to support better benefit options for classified employees, one can only hope that the needs and possible costs to school districts will remain a factor in the deliberations.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
