Washington governor to discuss budget options with top lawmakers
Gov. Chris Gregoire plans to speak Thursday with top legislators as she prepares for either across-the-board spending cuts or a second budget-balancing special session.
The hobbled economy has led to repeated deficit cycles for the state's budget, causing both increased demand for services and lower tax collections. Lawmakers went into a long overtime session this spring to balance a gaping budget hole, but their plan hasn't held up and the state is facing a roughly $310 million shortfall through next June.