WA State Government Could Shut Down in One Week

Only if they're lucky

OLYMPIA — Washington is now seven days from a government shutdown.

Legislators from both parties said Sunday they were still searching for a final budget compromise that would avert the temporary layoff of many state workers. Negotiators described ongoing progress but acknowledged that there was a possibility that talks could continue dragging on.

"We've got some big pieces that still have to be resolved," said House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, D-Covington.

This morning, thousands of state employees will begin receiving notifications that they will be temporarily laid off if there is no budget deal by July 1. Republican Rep. Gary Alexander said he expected a deal would come together by the end of today, with hopes of passing the budget by midweek.