In a special episode of Clark Talks, Katie Gillespie and Dameon Pesanti demystify the recently adopted state operating budget.
The state Legislature adopted an operating budget with the goal of fully funding basic education, narrowly avoiding a partial state shutdown. The budget overhauls the state’s school taxing structure while providing additional funding to local schools. It’s unclear whether the decision will pass the McCleary mandate, in which the Supreme Court ruled Washington was failing to fund schools.
Then, Gillespie and reporter Jake Thomas interview Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, about her take on the 2017-2019 operating budget. Rivers also looks forward at the uncertain future of a capital budget in this year’s session, as well as the possibility of an Interstate 5 replacement bridge.
Then, Ashley Swanson provides an update on upcoming weekend events, including Battle Ground Harvest Days and the newly rebranded Cruisin’ the Couve.
