State budget deal announced; lawmakers close to conclusion of special session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — House Democrats and Senate Republicans on Monday afternoon announced they reached a deal on the supplemental budget.

In a joint written statement issued by the two chambers, officials say the plan covers the costs of fighting last year's wildfires and that there's increased money for mental health care.

They say that full details of the plan will be released Tuesday, when both chambers plan to start voting on the budget.

The announcement comes 19 days into an overtime special session after lawmakers adjourned their regular 60-day session earlier this month without passing the budget.

 

Meanwhile, the Senate returned to the floor to pass several bills. They also started taking votes to override the 27 bills vetoed earlier this month by Gov. Jay Inslee out of frustration because lawmakers were not able to complete their work during the regular 60-day legislative session.