While state lawmakers say they are closing on a new budget deal that would avoid a state government shutdown, layoff notices have been sent to thousands of state workers telling them to not come to work starting July 1 unless a budget is in place.

July 1 is the start of the state’s fiscal year, and if lawmakers don’t agree on a new budget by that date, 34 state agencies would likely cease operations and hundreds of programs and services scaled back or suspended in the event of a shutdown, according to an analysis prepared by the governor’s office.

Read more on this development from our partners at The Daily Herald in Everett.