Budget deficit could reach $6 billion, says Gregoire

PULLMAN — Gov. Chris Gregoire says the ballooning state deficit could reach $6 billion and will lead to spending cuts that are “truly ugly.”

Gregoire and other leaders learned last week that the budget deficit through mid-2011 is about $5.1 billion. That includes a shortfall of about $500 million in the current budget, which lasts through June.

The next state economic report, in early 2009, could push the shortfall even higher. The Lewiston Tribune reports that Gregoire says the deficit could reach $6 billion.

She’s unveiling a budget plan next month, and says: “I will come up with something that will look truly ugly, truly ugly.”

Gregoire’s pledged not to raise taxes, saying that’s the wrong step in an economic downturn.