Lawmakers today gave final approval to two measures designed to address budget shortfalls in the current biennium. Shortly after passage, Governor Gregoire signed both measures into law. One of the bills (SB 5460) would freeze most state hiring, salaries, travel, contracts, and purchasing for the remainder of the biennium. Amendments adopted in the Senate and agreed to by the House improved the bill by exempting federal and patient revenues from the freeze. The bill still raises substantial concerns, however, in areas where flexibility is needed, such as faculty retention. We will be working with lawmakers on alternatives that could provide such flexibility as work on the overall state budget continues.
Also, a reminder that tomorrow at 4:30 the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council will convene for a special “preview” meeting that will provide the latest numbers for budgeteers.