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State operating budget deal announced, third special session starts today

Early Saturday (June 27) morning, after an all-night negotiating session, word came from legislative negotiators and the Governor that a “deal in principle” had been agreed to on the state operating budget.

In a press statement that followed late yesterday, budget negotiators released an outline of the agreement, but also note they are continuing their marathon negotiation sessions to iron out the details.

UW State Relations has been on the ground every day continuing to work the University’s top legislative priorities. This includes advocating for funding quality and access, adequate compensation for our employees, and critical investments in the capital budget.

While final details on the budget are not expected to be publicly available until late today (Sunday), our on the ground sources in Olympia tell us a 5 to 15% tuition reduction for the UW is likely in the compromise budget.

Governor Inslee has called a third special session starting today (June 28) at noon, and legislators are expected to stay in Olympia to finish up work on the budget by Monday or Tuesday. The end of the state’s fiscal year is Tuesday, June 30 — the date by which a new operating budget must be in place.

In related news, rumors of a transportation package agreement being reached have begun to make their way around the Capitol, but no official announcement has been made. Similarly, while none of the press statements this weekend referenced a state capital budget deal, much anticipation remains on the front too.

As more details become available on all things budget, we’ll share them with you here on the blog. Stay tuned!