The Democrats and the Republicans are struggling to bridge the ideological (and monetary) divide between their two budgets, a week before the regular legislative session ends. The Seattle Times reports that the Democratic budget calls for $38.8 billion in spending to cover mental health services and the state supreme court's funding order for K-12 education, along with all other necessary government services. The Republican budget is $37.8 billion, not the widest of monetary divides, but the sticking point of the Democrat's desired 1.5 billion is a tricky one. The Democrats want new revenue from new taxes on capital assets and ending some exemptions that benefit oil refineries.
The Republicans contest that Washington taxes already bring in enough revenue to generate the budget. And while most the two party's sticking points are typical of their respective leanings, it should be noted that the Republican budget would actually lower state college tuition, with the democratic budget freezing it (both parties can at least agree student are hurting).
The 2015-2017 budget is needed by July 1st, when the fiscal year begins, and if both sides can't reach an agreement by next Sunday the governor will have to call a 30 day special session. If it's not down to the wire yet, in a couple days it will be.
