WA: "Special session to deal with billion-dollar deficit to begin Nov. 28"

Chris Grygiel (SeattlePI.com):

Sens. Lisa Brown and Ed Murray, the Democratic majority leader and budget panel chairman, released a statement urged their colleagues not to “draw a line in the sand.”

“Over three years, we have reduced public service levels across the board, from support for kindergarten education to supervision of offenders in our communities. As we approach special session, we must recognize that more cuts – however necessary mathematically – will impact Washingtonians, their families and their communities. As legislators, we have many tools for balancing our budget – including giving the voters the option of approving new revenue to pay for the services they want. We strongly encourage our colleagues in both parties, in the House and Senate, to avoid drawing lines in the sand and instead to arrive in Olympia in November prepared to offer solutions and to be ready to discuss all the possibilities.” MORE...