OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers say they are close to securing agreements on both on a new budget and an overhaul of the state’s workers’ compensation system.
Days of intense talks over workers’ compensation have failed to produce a deal. But Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown says lawmakers and Gov. Chris Gregoire could announce an agreement as early as Sunday evening. She declined to discuss details.
Budget negotiators also say they are nearing a deal. Republican Sen. Joe Zarelli says the parties have made it past all the difficult budget decisions. They hope to complete a spending plan by the end of Sunday and are declining to discuss details until that happens.
The Legislature is trying to complete its work before its 30-day special session ends Wednesday.
