Gov. Inslee calls lawmakers back for third special session



OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee has called lawmakers back for a third special session, saying that "the clock is running out" before the state faces a partial government shutdown.

Lawmakers have been struggling to reach consensus on how write a budget that also satisfies a state Supreme Court mandate on education funding and have not been able to reach an agreement on a new two-year state budget.

The state has been in contempt of court since 2014 for lack of progress on satisfying a 2012 state Supreme Court ruling that found that school funding was not adequate. The court has said the state has until Sept. 1, 2018, to comply, but the details — including funding — must be in place before the Legislature adjourns this year.

If a new budget is not signed by midnight June 30, a partial government shutdown begins July 1.