OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire today is signing the Legislature’s new operating budget, which bridged an estimated $2.8 billion deficit in the state’s general fund.
The budget-balancing plan combines some spending cuts with federal money, one-time accounting fixes and a roster of tax increases. It was approved by the Democrat-controlled state House and Senate last month, at the end of a monthlong special session.
The Democratic governor’s signing ceremony is scheduled for noon today. Gregoire has indicated she may use her veto pen on some portions of the budget that she doesn’t see as workable.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
