State lawmakers dropped a lump of coal in our collective stockings last night when we received incredibly depressing and frustrating news out of Olympia. Governor Inslee and the bipartisan transportation negotiators issued a joint statement conceding that their ability to compromise on a revenue package that would make badly needed investments in Washington's transportation system to preserve Washington's competitiveness and jobs failed.

For more information, check out the Seattle Times here.

Here's the joint statement:

Dec. 18, 2013

Contacts:

David Postman, Governor Inslee’s Communications Office | 360-902-4136, david.postman@gov.wa.gov

Joint Statement issued tonight from Governor Jay Inslee and the bipartisan House and Senate transportation negotiators on the next phase of transportation revenue package negotiations

“Through 12 negotiating sessions we made progress on finding a compromise package of statewide transportation improvements. But today it has become clear this phase of the process has run its course and we have not reached an agreement.

“We agree that transportation infrastructure is important to our state and we remain committed to finding a solution in the regular legislative session that works for everyone.

“The next step in this process will be to continue this dialogue in the legislative process.”

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