Yesterday, lawmakers gathered in Olympia with dozens of reporters and editors from around the state for the annual Associated Press legislative forum. Their message: The budget will dominate this 105-day session.

Another message: This session will end in 105 days. To paraphrase Marty Brown, Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Legislative director: Budget decisions won’t get easier with more time. There’s no way to predict whether Legislators will be able to agree on a budget by the end of regular session, but several said it was an important goal.

Watch the entire forum here:

On the budget:
(more…)

Tags: Budget, Democrats, Governor, House, Public Policy, Republicans, Senate, Ways & Means

After more than four years of study and discussion (in two different iterations), the Basic Education Finance task force has finalized its recommendations for school funding and reform.

Their call: Schools need more money. Much more. And more days of instruction. And teachers who are paid what they’re worth on the market, then given raises based on performance. And smaller classes. And money for libraries and technology.

The conflict: The state, as you’ll get used to hearing, is facing a budget shortfall of an estimated $5 billion.

Here’s the AP’s summary, courtesy of The Seattle Times.

And over here you’ll find all the task force hearings on TVW. (more…)

Tags: Budget, Money, Schools, Task Force