News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
SeaTac Airport, the 17th largest airport in the U.S., is a major carrier of Washington’s economy. From 2007-2010, passenger travel increased in spite of the recession – and the airport’s net operating income took off, exceeding $57 million. Alaska Airlines, the largest airline operating at SeaTac, enjoyed record profits in 2010 and 2011, and responded […]
Part 1 | Part Two Social Security is one of the great achievements of American democracy. It represents the best of our values – honoring our parents, respecting hard work, and supporting families. It provides stable income to 56 million people in one in four American households – in both good economic times and bad. For the […]
Part 1 | Part Two Working Americans and their employers each pay 6.2% on the first $110,100 of earnings into Social Security. Those payments insure 159 million workers and their families from loss of income due to disability, premature death, or retirement. They also fund benefits averaging $1,125 monthly for 56 million Americans, including:[i] Retirees age 62+. […]
The drumbeat for economic advancement is filled with warnings that our kids must get a college education to get ahead. So it’s instructive to see where those college educations can lead. Take my friend’s son Dale, for example. He’s 28, with a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Washington. He is highly skilled […]
