OLYMPIA -- Most state agencies sent notices to their employees around 1 p.m. about temporary layoffs that would be coming if the Legislature does not pass a budget by June 30.

If negotiators for the House and Senate reach an agreement that can be passed before then, there would be no layoffs. While legislators on both sides say the prospects of a deal at some point this week, maybe even at some point today, are good. There's no deal yet.

A source said one group of employees that has not received layoff notices are the staff of the Senate. The Majority Coalition Caucus that controls the Senate has been adamant in their view that a layoff will not happen and any talk of a shut down is, in the words of Coalition Leader Rodney Tom, "nonsense." 

Gov. Jay Inslee has said that notifying employees that they could be laid off if a budget isn't passed is prudent and contingency plans for a government shut down are required by law.

Inslee has a 2:30 p.m. press conference.

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