Gov. Inslee urges lawmakers to pass budget as clock runs out
SEATTLE -- Governor Jay Inslee reiterated Wednesday that he is prepared to veto bills that come to his desk if lawmakers do not agree on a supplemental budget before the end of the regular session.
Earlier in the week, the governor warned legislators that no bills would be signed unless they reached a consensus by Thursday to avoid a costly special session.
“They’ve had 58 days now and they need to get that fundamental job done,” Inslee told Q13 News This Morning.
“If they don’t get this supplemental budget done, toward the end of the summer there would be a significant curtailment in things that people depend on – medical care, kidney dialysis, dental care, maternity support, breast and cervical cancer treatment. These are things with real ramifications for real people.”
Asked if he is prepared to veto bills as promised, Inslee said he would.
“But it doesn’t need to come to that. They can reach an agreement today – or tomorrow morning for that matter. It does not have to happen. It should not have to happen.”
Despite “passionate feelings on both sides,” the governor said he is hopeful they will find a consensus.