Washington lawmakers have finalized a new state budget, moving swiftly to avert a looming government shutdown.
The House and Senate both voted by wide margins Friday to approve the $33.6 billion spending plan, just hours after making the 483-page bill available for public review. The measure now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee, who is expected to take time to review the budget and sign it by the end of Sunday.
Much of state government would be shut down next week if the budget isn't completed by the end of the weekend.
Both Republicans and Democrats highlighted how the measure would add $1 billion to the state's education system while providing enough money to universities that tuition would remain at current levels.
