Washington lawmakers close out session, sending budgets to governor

Washington lawmakers ended a challenging 105-day session by approving a balanced two-year budget of $77. 8 billion to manage a multibillion-dollar deficit. The budget combines spending cuts with a tax package of about $9. 4 billion, largely stemming from increased rates on the state's main business tax. House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon noted the session's difficulties, which included heated debates on parental rights and tax policies.

Governor Bob Ferguson praised the budget's focus on education and public safety but indicated he would conduct a detailed review before fully endorsing it. Republican representatives criticized the tax increases, arguing they would burden working Washington residents and stifle economic growth. Business groups echoed these concerns, warning that the new taxes would lead to higher consumer prices. The session also saw bipartisan support for a $15. 5 billion transportation funding plan, which includes a 6-cent gas tax increase.

Lawmakers avoided earlier proposals for furloughs and committed to new agreements for state employee pay raises.