OLYMPIA -- College students will be telling the Senate's Higher Education Committee what they think of Gov. Chris Gregoire's 2011-13 budget proposal that allows the colleges to raise tuition.

Chances are, it will be not favorable. That's based on a gathering of students on the north steps of the Capitol yesterday who were very much against it. They were banging a drum, too, the booming of which carried across the lot to the Temple of Justice where the state  Supreme Court was hearing the open public records case involving Spokane County. The justices were not amused to have closing statements punctuated by a drum beat.

Also making an appearance at Senate Higher Ed will be representatives of various faculty councils and classified staff members. Chances are they won't be singing the praises of the budget, either.

Elsewhere, the state Redistricting Commission meets this morning, and may name its  non-voting chairman or chairwoman. House Speaker Frank Chopp has his first press conference of the session; chances are there will be questions about budgets and unemployment insurance rates.

Grit your teeth, it is "Dental Action Day" in the Capitol.

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