Hawkins Says Covid-19 Impacting Budget Process in Olympia

The Covid-19 outbreak in Washington has impacted the state legislature's plans for the supplemental operating budget.

12th District Senator Brad Hawkins says it goes beyond the emergency funding they approved last week.

"Our state is really so dependent on sales tax revenues, and business and occupation taxes. When people aren't shopping as much, and people aren't having their group gatherings, and people are cancelling events that, not only has beneficial impact on preserving people's health, but it could have an adverse impact on state revenues."

Hawkins notes the next state budget outlook will be released in June and they are expecting a major drop.

He also says the new operating budget does save more than was originally planned, but he still has enough concern about the budget that he will not be able to support it. He voted in favor of the original State Senate budget.

Hawkins also noted that the State Legislature could add more money to the emergency fund to help battle the Covid-19 outbreak above and beyond the $100 million approved in recent weeks.

"In terms of an authorization, they don't have to spend it, just so that we can hold the ability, or minimize the need to come back for a special session for some sort of extra emergency authorization."

The legislative session is scheduled to end Thursday, March 12 as soon as the supplemental operating, transportation and capital budgets are passed.

Listen to the entire interview below, including conversations on the controversial sex ed bill and updates on Hawkins' legislation: