OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Leading state lawmakers are struggling to find a compromise that would alter Washington’s workers’ compensation program and help seal a budget agreement.
Negotiators emerged from a 45-minute meeting behind closed doors Wednesday afternoon with little progress to report. It was the first gathering of a small group tasked with finding common ground. The meeting comes just a week before Washington’s 30-day special session is set to end.
The Senate has approved a plan that includes an option of lump-sum settlements with workers who receive benefits for a prolonged period. It’s something Gov. Chris Gregoire and many House members also support. But House leadership has said it is not interested in allowing settlements because it could lead workers to accept less benefits than they would be entitled to get.
