The Legislature began its special session on Monday after its regular session ended on April 28 after 105 days. We hope the two-week break will help lawmakers focus on the key issues left undone.

The first, of course, it to agree on a new, two-year budget. It’s obviously daunting given that the state faces a $1.2 billion deficit over the next two years and that doesn’t include a court-mandated boost in money for education. The tab for that alone is around $1 billion.

The Legislature also needs to approve a transportation package to build lanes and roads to try to keep pace with our growing population and congestion. Then there’s the need for more money to repair the roads and bridges we already have. Potholes on some of our freeways are bad enough to rattle teeth.

Gov. Jay Inslee has listed his priorities. In addition to the operating budget and transportation needs, he also wants lawmakers to toughen up the state’s DUI laws. We agree in principle, but how best to do it may need more thought and discussion than we’re likely to get in a special session.

The state operating budget will be the toughest issue. House Democrats have proposed extending some taxes and closing some loopholes. The Senate, a coalition of two Democrats and the Republicans, is balking at adding any new revenue. While no one likes taxes, new or old it’s unrealistic to expect that the needed billions of dollars can be found by whacking programs and services.

One more important issue is for lawmakers to remember the poor. As a rule, they don’t have high-priced lobbyists, but their needs in many cases truly are life-threatening. Cutting those budgets can have deadly consequences.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter