OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire will release her supplemental budget proposal on Monday suggesting cuts to state program, as well as a revenue package that could include tax increases or fees.
Gregoire has to address a projected $1.4 billion deficit to state coffers through 2013. Lawmakers return to the Capitol on Nov. 28 for a special legislative session to deal with the budget in advance of the regular session that begins in January. Legislative leaders have said they will need to consider approximately $2 billion in cuts to programs for the budget through 2013, in order to ensure the state has some reserves. Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have said that they will consider a mix of cuts and revenue, but Republicans say they won’t support tax increases.