Budget details still being worked out
OLYMPIA -- The state's $38 billion operating budget is expected to come to a vote in both chambers later today, although some details were still being worked out early in the afternoon on legislation the public and most lawmakers still haven't seen.
House Appropriations Chairman Ross Hunter, D-Medina, called the budget "a work in progress" put predicted final agreements will be reached. "We're working toward a mutually agreeable solution."
Legislative leaders and Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Saturday they had reached an agreement in principle on the budget, but negotiators continued working on the details through the weekend.
The final budget will leave members of both parties in both chambers disappointed on some points, Hunter predicted.
"We have to compromise. Unlike the other compromise, we actually do compromise," he said.
The Senate is expected to vote first on the budget. Under legislative rules, amendments can be proposed but the goal will be to have the final agreement pass both chambers as is before legislators go home for the night. That final vote could, however, be after midnight.
Legislators would then return on Tuesday for final votes on a transportation package and a capital budget before adjourning