OLYMPIA - Less than 48 hours left in the extra special session and both houses expect some work on 'reform' bills.

The House Ways and Means Committee  has a noon hearing on bills that passed the Senate on Saturday: new requirements for community supervision of recently released inmates, a new system to require budgets that balance over four years rather than two, and a major change to the health benefit programs for public school employees.

The Senate may vote on changes to the state pension system that end early retirement options for new state employees. That bill is reportedly a precedent to any Senate vote on the operating budget.

The big questions still remain, however. Will the House pass the 'reform' bills, and will the Senate pass the House budget?

Stay tuned.

---

---