This week on “The Impact”:
We break down the two $4 billion construction and maintenance spending plans ($3.99B & $4.15B) from which a single state Capital Budget will emerge.
K-12 school buildings, college campuses, flood prevention & irrigation projects statewide are directly affected by the outcome. It will also impact big projects for small towns across the state of Washington.
“One of the major differences – we have a little larger reserve than the Senate does,” Rep. Steve Tharinger – (D), House Capital Budget Committee Chair.
“Well I can tell you what it doesn’t do; we don’t require a new tax to fund it,” Sen. Jim Honeyford – (R), Senate Capital Budget Chair.
We’ll highlight key differences in the plans while showing how close they are in other areas that impact schools, parks, and infrastructure plans. You’ll also hear why the whole deal may hinge on what happens with a bill meant to address a Washington Supreme Court ruling on water rights called the Hirst decision.
Later two veteran political reporters weigh in on what’s happening in the final days of the regular legislative session and what’s on the horizon.
“I just don’t think anyone really anticipated they could get everything done in 105 days,” – Jerry Cornfield, The Everett Herald.
“The staff has been predicting that we’re going to be here until June or July,” – Jim Camden, The Spokesman-Review.