Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire says she will not call a special session of the legislature. She says House and Senate Democratic leaders could not agree on an agenda for a one day session. Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

The idea was for lawmakers to come back briefly to tie up some loose ends on the budget.

There was a bill dealing with the deportation of illegal immigrant criminals. That would save on prison costs.

There was another measure to allow judges more discretion in criminal sentencing. And there was the bill the Governor especially wanted – to let school districts raise more money by lifting a cap on local levies.

Chris Gregoire: “I had hoped school districts would be allowed access to about $68 million to avoid teacher lay-offs. I’m disappointed on that one the most.”

Gregoire says she will fully fund levy-equalization – these are dollars that go to property tax poor districts.

Minority Republicans praised her for that and for her decision not to call a special session. But Gregoire warns she may have to call lawmakers back this fall if the state’s economic situation continues to worsen.