State budget/revenue update

The Senate convened in Olympia on Thursday as the majority democrats continue to work on a revenue package that would be acceptable to the House and Governor. The Senate will not work today but may be back Monday. The House is in Olympia today hopefully to review the latest Senate revenue ideas.

While there is no agreement on a revenue package, both Senate and House leadership have stated they are closer. Senate Democrats appear to be working on alternatives to their 0.2% temporary sales tax, the major disagreement between the House and Senate on revenue. The House did not include the sales tax in their revenue package and maintains they don’t have the votes for it. The Governor also did not include the sales tax in her revenue package as they all attempt to raise $800 M to assist with the $2.8 B budget hole.

The desire of both chambers is to get close to an agreement within the next few days and then bring all members back to town on Friday the 9th and work until they conclude their business. They would like to conclude on Sunday, April 11 but must conclude by Tuesday, April 13, the last day of the special session.

To see details about where the revenue package stands as of today, please see last week’s Legislative Bulletin.

Stormwater funding update (2SHB 3181/SSB 6851)

While there is little news to report since last week’s Bulletin, this issue is still in play. Please continue to communicate with your legislators on your city’s needs and challenges in meeting your stormwater management obligations.

If we learn of any substantial changes to the existing bills, or of any new proposals, we will communicate directly with the 100 cities that are subject to the NPDES municipal stormwater permits.

E-911 (HB 3216/SB 6846)

On Thursday, the full Senate passed the E-911 funding bill, and the House is expected to take up the issue today. Thank you to all the cities who contacted legislators expressing support for this important bill!

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