Gov. Inslee called a second Special Session on May 29 to provide state legislators additional time to continue work on the 2015-2017 biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets, and critical legislation. With limited time remaining, Gov. Inslee has ordered lawmakers to move negotiations to his office. State law requires the adoption of a budget providing appropriations for the operation of state government prior to the beginning of the fiscal biennium, which is July 1, 2015.
State Operating Budget
The Senate and House budget chairs have both released new 2015-2017 operating budget proposals, which include recent revenue forecast updates. The budget proposals moved closer together, however, significant differences still remain in the level of resources and expenditures. In addition, the House budget would increase CAPAA’s two-year budget by $200,000 to expand outreach activities due to population increases.