The last day of regular session for the 2017 Washington State Legislature is Sunday, April 23rd. As Senate Republicans and House Democrats have yet to begin serious negotiations over their respective budget proposals, closing a budget deal prior to the end of session is unlikely. Both parties have expressed concern and questioned whether the other’s proposal is realistic, given that the tax and revenue bills accompanying the both plans have not been passed. Therefore, at least one, if not more, special session(s) is in the forecast for the 2017 Legislature, as lawmakers struggle to find common ground over how to fully fund the state’s basic education program and comply with the state’s Supreme Court McCleary Ruling.
Equity in Education Coalition of Washington