OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire is asking state agencies to prepare for further budget cuts that could save the state up to $1.6 billion.
Gregoire budget director Marty Brown said in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday the state needs to be prepared for more troubles in the economy. His office has asked agencies to prepare packages that would reduce projected spending by 5 percent or 10 percent.
Brown says it is too soon to say whether lawmakers will have to return to Olympia for a special session to deal with the budget. A new revenue forecast is due out next month, and Brown says he is not optimistic about what it will show.
Lawmakers cut some $4.5 billion in projected spending during this year’s session.
