Washington legislators return to work Wednesday

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — After a four-day break, Washington lawmakers have returned to work for a special session to resolve the state's budget debate and other pending matters.

The state House and Senate each opened business at noon Wednesday for a special session called by Gov. Jay Inslee. Their agenda includes resolving the competing visions Democrats and Republicans have for state spending, including a state Supreme Court mandate to put more money into public schools. Budget negotiators resumed meeting Monday ahead of the formal beginning of the special session.

Other pending matters lawmakers want to pass in the special session include reworking how taxes on recreational marijuana sales are handled and the state's first big-ticket transportation package in years.

The special session is scheduled to last up to 30 days.