Lawmakers Reach Budget Deal in Olympia

Gov. Jay Inslee joined state lawmakers Thursday in announcing they had reached a deal on a $33.6-billion two-year budget, allowing the state to avoid a government shutdown on Monday.

Inslee issued a statement saying he expects the budget to pass and arrive on his desk before 5 p.m. Friday.

“Legislative leaders tell me they will move as quickly as possible to pass the budget and get it to me for my signature," the governor said. "Washington will be at work Monday.”

Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina), who chairs the House appropriations committee, told the Associated Press he and Sen. Andy Hill (R-Redmond) reached a deal Thursday morning and shook hands on the agreement.

Details about the budget deal were scarce early Thursday, but The Seattle Times reports the plan calls for an additional $1 billion in funding for public schools. More information is expected to become available after negotiators brief their colleagues later this afternoon.

Inslee told reporters Thursday he also expects legislators to pass a new transportation funding package before the end of the week. The $10-billion plan failed to get enough votes to pass the House on Wednesday, according to the Times. 

The state government had been preparing for a major shutdown if a budget deal could not be reached. Several agencies, including early learning and the state parks system, were scheduled to completely shut down on Monday.

Patch will have more details on the state budget as they become available.