WA Lege Day 60: An end and a beginning

OLYMPIA — On the calendar, this is the last day of the session. It will also be the day that a special session is called, most likely by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The regular session is expected to close late today, after all the work that can be finished, is. Unfinished will be a supplemental budget that finds some combination of cuts, tax increases, federal funds and transfers to close the projected $2.8 billion shortfall.

The flag of Ireland is flying at the Capitol because the mayor of Galway, which is Seattle’s Sister City, is visiting.

And speaking of flags and mayors, the first thing the Senate did this morning was honor the town of Fairfield for its 100 years of celebrating Flag Day. About two dozen current and former residents of the south Spokane County town, including Mayor Ed Huber were in the gallery  for the reading of the resolution. a speech by Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, and a salute by the whole Senate.