The Senate approved its budget proposal 34-13 late Monday afternoon, setting the stage for negotiations with the House. Both chambers have now approved their own versions and leaders will work to resolve differences.
That’s not expected before the Legislature adjourns its regular session, which could come Thursday. A special session will likely be required to agree on a budget deal and approve a series of bills necessary to implement it.
In the meantime, there’s work still be done, especially in the Senate. The Ways and Means Committee meets at 2:30 p.m. today to move, among other things, its version of the capital budget.
Among the bills needing one last vote before adjournment of the regulation session is Senate Bill 5636, the North Puget Sound University Center legislation.