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Washington state budget deal close as shutdown anxiety builds

At the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the critical clinic that tests people for sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and syphilis relies on state money.

“It's very important that we get to those folks who are infected as soon as possible, get their interview going so that we can find out the infected partners who may not know,” said Lashawn Jones, the clinic’s lead disease investigation specialist.

She says 50 percent of the counselors will laid off if a new state budget isn't passed by July 1.

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“If not, on July 1 there will be half of us here and we will be looking in to prioritizing the work by cases by case,” Jones said.

After signing new legislation today, Gov. Jay Inslee shared hopeful news.

“Legislative and budget leaders are expressing that they will be able to reach a final agreement. In time to do some really big things for the state of Washington in time to avoid a partial government shutdown,” the governor said.

The governor’s staff said Republican and Democratic budget negotiators were making progress on closing a final $500 million gap.

“I can't say it's going to be this afternoon, tonight, but we are incredibly optimistic,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler.

But for workers, the anxiety remains.

“It's extremely frustrating, it’s frustrating to me personally because I take great pride in the work that I do in serving the community,” Jones said.

Negotiators are expected to work all night and may be able announce an agreement Wednesday morning.