Wash. Legislature convenes 60-day work session, $2.6B budget deficit is biggest worry

Wash. Legislature starts work on $2.6B deficit

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The 2010 Washington Legislature is convening for a 60-day session, with lawmakers searching for ways to fix a $2.6 billion budget deficit.

On top of budget problems, legislators also have some difficult crime, business and environmental issues on their plate.

Democrats control both the House and the Senate in Olympia.

Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire sets the agenda this week, with a State of the State speech and presentation of her proposed budget plan scheduled for Tuesday.

Also this week, the state Supreme Court will officially get a new chief justice, as Barbara Madsen takes the helm from the retiring Gerry (GARY) Alexander.

Perennial initiative sponsor Tim Eyman also makes an appearance to kick off his 2010 campaign.