The Impact: Budget, bill signing and the cell phone law

I just finished my final interview of the day for The Impact.  I talked with the governor’s legislative director, Marty Brown, about how the governor makes decisions on which bills to sign and which to veto.  I asked specifically about how the governor is using that power in negotiations over the temporary sales tax increase, which the Senate has included in its tax package but she and the House oppose.  Because portions of the House tax package can no longer be implemented by April 1, Brown also says the state has lost out on $13-$15 million in potential new revenue and will have to find another way to make that up.   He also told me Gregoire is leaning toward signing into law tougher restrictions on cell phone use while driving. He said we could see that happen around April 1.

In this earlier post, you can find more information on my interview with House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler and House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt about where the House and Senate stand in budget and tax negotiations and how quickly they could get out once the deal is reached.

Watch The Impact Wednesday nights at 7 & 10 on TVW.

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