Gregoire may call special session

The Associated Press • Published July 23, 2010 Modified July 23, 2010

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Gov. Chris Gregoire says if $480 million in Medicaid matching money doesn't come from the federal government by Aug. 9, she'll have to consider a special session of the Legislature to deal with the budget.

She told KOMO Radio Thursday shell consult with legislative leaders to limit a session to a day or two.

Gregoire says the state is facing a projected $3 billion in the next budget and the slow economic recovery is forcing fundamental changes in state operations.

To give the public a say in expected cuts, Gregoire is asking for ideas on a website and holding a series of forums. Meetings were held Monday in Tacoma and Wednesday in Everett. Others are planned in Vancouver and Spokane.

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