Another political post . . .

There is a lot going on in Olympia with the Senate approving a budget that some tout as "bipartisan", but others see as simply preserving the opportunity for influence at a later date as shared in this Seattle Times article.  The layers of complexity in the Senate show in the vote where the Democrats were needed to pass the measure as one Republican was absent and another voted no.

“I want to make it very clear this is not a bipartisan budget,” said Democratic Sen. Sharon Nelson, of Maury Island. “We will need more revenue, for (education) ... and please, for the safety net. The poor are hurt in this budget and it’s painful for all of us.”

The Governor has also caused problems with Republicans and others with his changed position on the Senate's grading schools bill.  He campaigned for an accountability system where schools would be graded in a manner that was easy for parents to understand, but does not like all components of the Senate bill.  This Times article's title captures it all.

Even with all these goings on Crosscut article about the unrealistic expectations for a 105 day legislative session may be the most interesting.  With only twenty-three days left there is zero possibility for the session to end on time as the third and final budget has yet to be unveiled.  it provides a nice summary of how we end up in this situation on a regular basis.

Bottom line; The two chambers have just about three weeks to fight over complicated accounting moves, budget cuts, possible tax increases, which Peter to rob to pay which Paul, and behind-the-scenes bragging rights over who are the most bad-ass groups of legislators and lobbyists.