Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a new two-year budget into law just before midnight Tuesday averting a partial government shutdown.
“This budget ensures our children will get a better education because we are making a historic investment," Inslee said, "and it is a historic investment that provides an additional 1600 students access to preschool, expands all-day kindergarten statewide and reduces classroom size in grades K-3.”
Washington lawmakers are in contempt of court over school funding.
The $38 billion dollar budget also reduces college tuition, puts more money into mental health and gives state employees their first cost-of-living-increase since 2008.
The budget closes a couple of tax exemptions but does not create any new taxes.
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