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Washington's 2013-2015 budget negotiations might begin this week.

The Democratic-controlled House and Republican-oriented Senate were in a holding pattern last week with their radically different proposed budgets — waiting to get ready for their behind-the-scenes negotiations to reach a compromise on a budget.

Last week, they weren't talking despite the House passing its proposed $34.5 billion budget on April 12, and the Senate passing its $33.21 billion plan several days earlier.

The reason is each side wants to see if the other can back up its position.