Special Budget Session Set

With tax revenues continuing to sputter, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire Thursday announced that she will call legislators in for a special session, beginning Nov. 28.

Her announcement came one week after Arun Raha, the state’s economist, lowered the 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 in a statement.

“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.”

Raha said he expects to report another negative revenue forecast Nov. 17.

Gregoire said she plans to tackle both negative revenue forecasts in one special session, allowing next year’s regular session to focus on policy rather than budget.

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