Planning for a Possible State Government Shutdown

Today marks the end of the Washington State Legislature's second special session. With nine days left to pass a budget before the end of the fiscal year, there are increasing reports on the possibility of a state government shutdown. In the past the Legislature has managed to adopt a budget in the last hours of the biennium. You may recall in 2013 a budget was agreed upon and passed on June 27 with Governor Inslee signing the legislation on June 29. While there is still time for a last minute deal, the reality of such seems less likely this year.

We know that many of you have been planning for the possibility of a state government shutdown. The Office of Financial Management (OFM) has published a number of publications on the impact to state operations that may be useful to your planning. This information is available at: http://ofm.wa.gov/contingency/default.asp

You will note that the State Treasurer's Office has indicated that they intend to continue the distribution of tax receipts to local governments.

We will of course forward you additional relevant information as the situation progresses.