Washington state has a budget, but Legislature isn't finished just yet

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state has a budget for the next two years. The government has not shut down. So why haven't state lawmakers gone home for summer vacation?

They still have work to do.


The Legislature worked until dawn Wednesday trying to resolve policy issues related to the budget. A standoff in the Senate over a voter-approved class-size initiative, plus a few other smaller issues, is preventing them from adjourning their third special session.

Lawmakers may try again next week after the holiday weekend.

The class size initiative, 1351, which was passed by voters, matters because the $38.2 billion budget signed by the governor just before midnight Tuesday does not include the estimated $2 billion needed to hire more teachers and shrink class sizes in grades 4 through 12 for the next two years.