Senate begins budget debate with a bit of Zen

OLYMPIA — Debate on the 2015-17 operating budget began about 5:30 p.m. and legislative leaders said they want it to be approved by both chambers before lawmakers go home tonight.

That’s a tall order, but necessary for a timeline to have it on Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk Tuesday to avoid a partial government shutdown on Wednesday.

And there’s a bit of good karma in the chamber that may boost the budget’s chances… five Buddhist monks are watching from the gallery.

Details on the budget from this previous post.