Gregoire Calls for Special Legislative Session After Revenue Forecast Lowered by $1.4 Billion

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced last week that she will call legislators in for a special session, beginning Nov. 28, after the state’s economist lowered the Washington’s revenue forecast for the 2011–13 biennium by $1.4 billion.

“Congressional gridlock, the European debt crisis and high unemployment continue to take their toll on consumer confidence and our state’s economy,” Gregoire said. “Once again, we are facing a budget shortfall and once again I’m calling the Legislature back into special session to address the state’s budget. My only option is across-the-board cuts, and that option is unacceptable. Solving this budget crisis will require the Legislature to act.”

The state’s economist, Dr. Arun Raha, is expecting another negative revenue forecast Nov. 17. Gregoire plans to tackle both negative revenue forecasts in one special session and hopes to finalize a budget with healthy reserves before Christmas. More than one month ago, Gregoire asked state agencies to detail how additional 5 to 10 percent cuts would affect their abilities to serve Washingtonians. She expects agencies to begin delivering those packages now.

If the Legislature approves a budget before the end of special session, Gregoire said she plans to spend the regular session focusing on policy bills to support job creation and economic growth.

“Let’s get this budget done right in one swoop well before Christmas and then turn our focus to supporting jobs and growing our economy,” Gregoire said.

Since the national recession began, the state has made nearly $10 billion in cuts. Gregoire has warned that additional reductions will continue to hurt public health, safety and education programs.