Lawmakers will try to hammer out budget in special session

OLYMPIA -- State lawmakers returned to Olympia Monday for a special legislative session.

The primary goal of the special session, beginning just two weeks after the normal legislative session ended on April 28,  is to hammer out a budget for the next biennium  The House and Senate are reportedly about $1 billion apart on their current proposals, with education funding as a major sticking point. Democrats want to raise taxes to cover costs, while Republicans want to slash spending.

Lawmakers will also discuss tougher gun laws and stiffer penalties for repeat drunk drivers during the special session.

The special session lasts 30 days. It will cost taxpayers an estimated $10,000 a day.