Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has asked state agencies to prepare for 10% in spending cuts for the next budget.
The belt tightening comes after the state’s general revenue forecast for the current two-year budget cycle weakened in June. State officials said the lower figures reflected concerns about the national economy, high gasoline prices and supply-chain disruptions from Japan.
The governor wants state agencies to submit 5% first priority reductions and another 5% of second tier cuts.
“I recognize this is a daunting task, especially considering how little time has passed since enactment of the current 2011-2013 budget,” said state budget director Marty Brown in a memo released Monday.
In May, Washington lawmakers passed the two-year budget that closed a projected $4.9 billion deficit in a $32 billion budget.
