We have a new policy brief comparing the House- and Senate-passed operating budgets. Briefly:

• A better economy is expected to bring in an additional $3 billion in revenue.
• The House-passed budget increases spending by more than $5 billion over 2013–
  15.
• The Senate-passed budget increases spending by more than $4 billion over 2013–
  15.
• Policy changes in both budgets increase spending for public schools by over half a
  billion dollars.
• Neither budget funds I-1351’s $2 billion class size reductions for grades 4–12.
• The House spends $45 million more than the Senate on K–3 class size reduction and
  adds more funds for counselors and family engagement.
• The House freezes tuition, the Senate reduces it.
• The Senate spends over $40 million more on higher education.
• The House funds collective bargaining agreements; the Senate provides a general
  wage increase.
• Both houses add funds for employee health care premiums.
• The Senate saves $50 million by reducing spousal health benefits and the Medicare
  subsidy for employees.
• Both budgets fund the I-732 cost-of-living adjustment.
• Both budgets reduce spending on non-DSHS human services.