Gov. Inslee: Much work to do before budget deal is reached

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee says that while there have been some proposals exchanged between the House and Senate, there is a "long, long ways to go" before a budget deal is reached.

Inslee said Wednesday he is continuing to encourage both sides to come together during the current special legislative session, which could last up to 30 days as the Democratic-held House and Republican-led Senate work out their differences on the state budget and education spending.

The governor said he also has been talking with House Speaker Frank Chopp about carbon issues, including a carbon charge on polluters to help pay for education, and said more details will be available on that next week.

The special session started last week after lawmakers adjourned their regular 105-day session without a two-year state operating budget.

While there has been little visible action at the Capitol, budget negotiators have been meeting on campus.