I've only just started going through Governor Gregoire's 2013-15 budget proposal, but I'd like to thank her and her budget staff for finally showing the balance sheet in terms of near general fund-state plus opportunity pathways (NGFS+).

In the past, the governor's proposals have been in terms of the general fund-state, while legislative fiscal committee staffs have been presenting their proposals using the broader picture of the budget you get with NGFS+ (which includes the general fund, the education legacy trust account and the opportunity pathways account).

This change will make it easier to compare proposals from the governor and legislature. The budget season is starting off on the right procedural foot — thank you!