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Sullen state lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday to face another $2 billion budget problem – and a political climate that’s changed since their last special session in May.

The economy continues to lag in its recovery. But after lawmakers cut $10 billion in projected spending over the past three years, the stiff political opposition to tax hikes may be easing – if not turning.
Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, in a major switch from her position one year ago, wants to fill part of the new budget hole with new taxes. Her proposal potentially raises $750 million and includes a temporary, half-cent boost in the sales tax that would go to a statewide referendum vote in the spring.