The state's budgeting process is evidently broken

After months of intense debates and deadline extensions, Washington state will have a budget for the next biennium. Eventually.

The state’s Revenue and Forecast Council said last week that the state could expect an additional $231 million in tax revenue over the next two years. Economists say better home sales, modest job growth, slowly increasing consumer confidence and growing sales tax receipts account for the added revenue.

With the extra $231 million, lawmakers believe there is a chance to come to an agreement on the state’s $32 billion budget. Gov. Jay Inslee has mentioned a government s...