House to vote on Early Action Savings Bill shortly

The full House of Representatives will vote momentarily on SHB 1694, the Early Action Savings bill. This measure will save $636 million from the operating budget between now and June 30, 2009.

It is very rare for the Legislature to act on budget matters this early in session, according to Ways and Means Chair Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham).

"This is just the first step in addressing the uprecedented fiscal situation facing not only our state, but most of the world," said Linville. "The earlier we start these cuts, the more money we save."

Unlike at the federal level, the House process has been very bipartisan so far. SHB 1694 passed from the Ways and Means committee last week with only two "nay" votes.