Local legislators cautiously optimistic about end to second special session in Olympia

By Evan Smith

Local legislators say that they remain optimistic about an end to the second special legislative session in Olympia. Many, however, say that they won't know much until leaders finish negotiating.

Leaders of House majority Democrats and Senate majority Republicans have been unable to agree on a new state budget through the regular legislative session, a 30-day special session and the first week and a half of a second special session. Now, legislators face the June 30 end of the fiscal year and the possibility of a government shutdown.

Democratic State Rep. Cindy Ryu sees hope.

“I am optimistic we will have a balanced budget by the end of the month,” she said Tuesday. “We did it with a day and a half to spare in 2013 and hopefully we will be done a bit earlier.”

Democratic State Sen. Maralyn Chase said Wednesday, “The gnomes are working hard preparing new legislation to implement whatever the agreement is.”

Democrat Kagi, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, had agreed last week with Committee Chairman Ross Hunter that the legislature could finish quickly.

Rep. Gerry Pollet also agreed. Pollet represents the 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Chase, Kagi, and Ryu represent the 32nd Legislative District, including the city of Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas, and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.