News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
Governor Gregoire “hates” her 2011-2013 budget proposal, and it’s no wonder: it cuts $4.6 billion by, among other things, eliminating funding for class size reductions, ending the state’s Basic Health Plan (BHP), ending assistance to the disabled and closing state parks. But not to worry: tax breaks for nose jobs and airline fuel are still [...]
Today’s suggested exemptions to ax and sins to tax: $9.0 million | Special Public Utilities Tax rate for urban transportation and small vessels. A preferential rate for urban transportation was adopted when street cars and interurban railways were financially distressed. Private street cars and interurbans have been replaced with public transit. Primary beneficiaries now are [...]
Today’s suggested exemptions to ax and sins to tax: $10.9 million | Sales tax on out of state coal. Coal burned by a Centralia power plant was exempted from sales tax when 70% was purchased locally, to help preserve jobs. Now coal is imported into Washington — and the plant is a top producer of [...]
Today’s suggested exemptions to ax and sins to tax: $92.9 million | Implement Governor Gregoire’s proposals for limiting tax exemptions: B&O exemption for out-of-state businesses with “economic nexus”: Washington now taxes companies with a physical presence in the state – this change would broaden that definition to include those with a significant economic presence. | [...]
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