This afternoon policymakers returned to Olympia to begin the 2012 supplemental session.

The sixty-day supplemental session continues the work the Washington Legislature began in December. In December the Legislature met for a special session focused on a projected shortfall of approximately $1.4 billion with the strong intention of setting aside another $600 million in reserves. The lawmakers were successful in passing some early budget action to close about a quarter of the $2 billion gap in state funding primarily through transfers, estimated savings in the previous biennium, a change in unclaimed property, and a handful of reductions.

The next sixty days will focus on resolving the remaining $1.5 billion budget problem, a conversation that is likely to be complex and require a balance of reductions, reform, and revenue. The next revenue forecast is scheduled for February 16 and it is expected lawmakers will release budget proposals after this date.

The supplemental session is scheduled to end on March 8.  If legislators cannot complete their work it is possible the Governor could call them back into a special session. However the influence of the November general election is likely to make this difficult, especially since this time around many legislators will see changes to their district due to recommendations from the Redistricting Commission, the fact that they cannot do fundraising while they are in session, and the earlier filing date to run.

So stay tuned!