State prepares for potential government shutdown, poised to furlough more than 26,000 workers

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state officials say that while they don't believe a partial government shutdown will occur July 1, they are still required to start the process of notifying state employees that they may be temporarily laid off if a state budget isn't adopted.

Gov. Jay Inslee's financial managers have directed agencies to start sending notices to thousands of employees next Tuesday because lawmakers have been unable to finalize a budget. The Office of Financial Management estimates that more than 26,000 would be furloughed if a budget isn't signed into law by midnight June 30. The notices sent out on Tuesday will arrive by email; some letters will be sent Friday for employees who must receive notification by mail because they're on leave.

Even as officials plan for a partial shutdown, Inslee does not believe that will happen, spokeswoman Jaime Smith said Thursday. But she noted that the state is legally required to notify employees and contractors by a certain date of a potential shutdown.