Bigger than a breadbox and smaller than a Safeco field
The state Legislature is in the midst of a 30-day special session.
It’s understandable if you forgot they were still technically “in session.”
Most of the negotiations have been taking place behind closed doors in Olympia.
On Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee told reporters budget negotiators have been meeting daily.
“They had some fits and starts. They have been working hard and in good faith,” Inslee said.
How close are they getting?
“Bigger than a breadbox and smaller than a Safeco field,” the governor said.
OK.
Inslee declined to say much more about the ongoing budget negotiations.
“We need a budget. That’s what I’m going to say today,” he said.
Earlier this month, the governor vetoed 27 bills, which he warned lawmakers he planned to do if they failed to reach a budget deal.
Legislators’ main task this legislative session was to pass a supplemental operating budget.
They also have a court order looming over them to fully fund the state’s public education system. They passed a measure this session that’s been dubbed a “plan for a plan,” meant to push the heavy political lift of solving the school funding crisis to the upcoming 2017 session.
Lauren Dake
Lauren Dake covers politics for The Columbian. You can reach her at 360-735-4534 or lauren.dake@columbian.com. Follow her on Twitter .