OLYMPIA – State lawmakers moved one step closer today to carving $400 million in spending from this year’s deficit-plagued budget.
Senators split along party lines in passing legislation to save $292 million in the remaining months of the fiscal year by reducing expenditures in administration and programs in nearly every state agency.
At almost the same time Friday, representatives almost unanimously approved a bill trimming $105 million through June 30 by freezing wages and hiring and banning most travel and major equipment purchases.
The votes are the most significant steps taken by the Legislature to deal with a hole in the current budget estimated at between $600 million and $1 billion.
Because of amendments adopted in each chamber, the bill must be swapped for concurrence. Final action by lawmakers is set for next Wednesday. Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign both measures that day.
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