Yesterday, Governor Gregoire and key state legislative leaders met with state capital reporters at the annual Associated Press “pre-session” forum in Olympia. The 105-day session begins next Monday January 8, and most of the discussion at yesterday’s gathering focused on writing the $30 billion biennial operating budget.
Democratic leaders Rep. Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) and Sen. Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) predicted passage of a strong budget that invests in schools, health care, Puget Sound clean-up, economic development, anti-crime efforts and salary increases for teachers and state employees. Governor Gregoire emphasized the importance of seizing the moment and investing in education at all levels.
Republican leaders Sen. Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla) and Rep. Richard DeBolt (R-Chehalis) expressed concerns about the Governor’s spending levels and that her budget would leave the state with huge deficits in future years. They both pledged to work with Democrats on key issues where common ground can be found.
Possible state funding for a new Sonics arena and a NASCAR track in Kitsap County were discussed but legislative leaders expressed little enthusiasm for public subsidies for eithr projects at this time.