OLYMPIA, Wash. - House and Senate negotiators have reached an agreement on a final budget proposal.
The Senate is expected to pass the final budget proposal approved Saturday by representatives.
Lawmakers said the 30-day special session could be wrapped up by the end of Monday, which is the 29th day.
The budget makes up for an estimated $2.8 billion deficit.
"We believe the approach we've taken is balanced," said Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham.
Under the proposal, cuts would include:
- Eliminating funding to reduce class sizes
- Laying off an estimated 4300 state workers
- Closing or consolidating prisons
"That's significant cuts," said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle.
Lawmakers say the cuts would be more drastic without increasing taxes on everything from tobacco to bottled water and candy.
"There was a piece in that revenue package for everyone not to like," said Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington.
