Earlier this month, the Department of Ecology told the Senate Water, Energy and Telecommunications Committee that improving the environment would dovetail with efforts to improve the economy. But The Associated Press reports today that the Governor may not see things the same way in light of the $5.7 billion projected budget deficit for 2009-2011.

The Climate Change Task Force, which Gov. Chris Gregoire assembled last year, unveiled their plan for climate change legislation on Monday.

Their findings recommend a Cap and Trade system, which would cap Carbon emissions and require certain industries to buy or trade emissions credits.

But:

Concerned about the bad economy and pressure on businesses, Gregoire is leaning toward giving away most of the pollution credits, rather than auctioning them off as environmentalists had hoped.

(more…)

Tags: Cap and Trade, Emissions, Environment, Governor

After more than four years of study and discussion (in two different iterations), the Basic Education Finance task force has finalized its recommendations for school funding and reform.

Their call: Schools need more money. Much more. And more days of instruction. And teachers who are paid what they’re worth on the market, then given raises based on performance. And smaller classes. And money for libraries and technology.

The conflict: The state, as you’ll get used to hearing, is facing a budget shortfall of an estimated $5 billion.

Here’s the AP’s summary, courtesy of The Seattle Times.

And over here you’ll find all the task force hearings on TVW. (more…)

Tags: Budget, Money, Schools, Task Force