Spec Sess Day17: Senate begins budget debate

OLYMPIA — The Senate is beginning debate on the “early action budget” which closes about $480 million of the state’s budget gap.

It’s the same budget approved Tuesday evening in the House.

Senate Ways and Means Commitee Chairman Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said some people call it a “disappointing” budget. But it’s time to adopt it as a down payment and move on in the upcoming general session.

Sen. Joe Zarelli, ranking Republican on the budget committee, called it a good start: “I’m happy that we’re getting something done.”

Leaders of both parties indicate the Senate has the bills to pass the budget.