OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Lawmakers convened a new legislative session Monday, and their main task is closing a roughly $1 billion budget shortfall. The House and Senate have just 60 days to weigh budget cuts and a potential sales tax increase.
In December, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed spending cuts that include a shortened school year, the elimination of social services for thousands of low-income residents and the early release of some prisoners.
She also proposed a half-cent sales tax proposal that would raise nearly $500 million a year and offset some cuts. It would expire after three years. Gregoire wants lawmakers to leave several hundred million dollars more in the bank as a buffer, which means that they will be looking for about $1.5 billion in cuts or new revenue.
E-Mail
Print
