Analysts compare house and senate budget proposals

The Washington Research Council posted its comparison of the house and senate budget proposals, concluding that the senate version

makes many of the same reductions as the House-passed bill, but it cuts $326.7 million more. The need for deeper cuts is a consequence of not assuming that $300 million would be raised by privatiz- ing the distribution of liquor.

 On the education front, the Partnership For Learning evaluates each of the budget proposals and provides a budget breakdown chart comparing the governor, house and senate's budgets on PFL priorities.

Similarly, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board compares the three budgets for treatment of their key K-12, community college, and workforce education issues. 

 Finally, on the workers' compensation reform front, the procedural move last week to bring SSB 5566 to the house floor for a vote failed, but the bill has been deemed NTIB -- or necessary to implement the budget -- so there is still the possibility of it being part of the final budget solution. 

Continue your calls and letters to your legislators. Tell them to pass a sustainable budget within existing revenues that includes important voluntary settlements for injured workers.