OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers are back in Olympia for a 30-day special session focused on addressing the state’s $1.4 billion shortfall.
The Legislature convened Monday afternoon, with immediate plans to take up budget issues. A House hearing later in the day is scheduled to explore Gov. Chris Gregoire’s budget proposals, which include widespread cuts to education and social services programs. Gregoire is also proposing a half-cent sales tax increase to offset some of those reductions.
Hundreds of protesters converged on the Capitol to protest the possible cuts.
Gregoire’s proposed budget calls for close to $2 billion in cuts, reductions to local governments and fund transfers, leaving $600 million in the bank. Democratic leaders in the House and Senate will produce their own budget plans in the coming weeks.
