Deal or no deal? Senate, House can't agree if budget deal reached

OLYMPIA -- First there was a budget deal. Then there wasn't.

Shortly after Washington state Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom announced that a deal regarding the "framework" on the 2013-15 state budget was reached, House Democrats took to Twitter to refute the claims early Wednesday afternoon.

"The 'budget framework' has been in place for several days. Details matter & negotiations are still ongoing. Currently there's no deal," Democrats tweeted from the WA Senate Democrats account

Local media appeared confused, as well, with a few TV news stations and newspapers reporting a budget deal was reached. On the heels of the back-and-forth, Gov. Jay Inslee's office released this statement: 

"I understand that the Senate majority has announced that there is a budget agreement. No one has reported to the governor or his budget director that there is an agreement. And, in fact, the House has told us that it is still negotiating with the Senate at this hour. We believe we are close, but as of now there is more work to be done. I’ll take it as a good sign that the Senate is anxious to make an announcement, but it is premature for anyone to say at this point that a deal has been struck." 

At the very least, both sides appeared close to a deal at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday. House Rep. Frank Chopp said a deal was still not final, but on its way.

"We're close but still not there," Chopp said, before strolling back into caucus for more negotiations.