OLYMPIA, Wash. - Lawmakers in the state now face a $1.2 billion budget shortfall.
The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council said Wednesday that higher reliance on state government services is increasing expenses. Revenues remained stable, and Gov. Inslee's budget director says the numbers are relatively good news.
Budget writers started the year with a roughly $1 billion shortfall and expected the numbers may get worse. The Legislature is separately under court order to add money to K-12 education.
Some Democrats have discussed new tax revenues to help balance the budget while Republicans say the Legislature can finish a budget without new money.
Lawmakers plan to release their budget proposals in the coming weeks.
