At about 4 p.m. today, the Senate started working on ESHB 1087, the 2011-13 operating budget. The House adjourned for the day after running a bunch of bills for concurrence.
After considering six amendments to the proposed substitute, the full budget bill is before the Senate. Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Mason County, has raised a procedural motion asking whether the inclusion of about $300 million transfer from the Liquor Revolving Account constitutes a tax increase.
Countering the point of order, budget chair Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said the bill only refers to the transfer of funds, not how the funds would be raised, and didn't constitute a tax increase.
Lt Gov Brad Owen and Senate legal staff are reviewing. Agreement with Sheldon would mean a two-thirds majority vote would be required to pass the budget bill or they would need to remove the specified section - Section 949.
Stay tuned!
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
