News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
While short-term fixes to backfill +$10 billion in budget cuts since 2009 are essential to avoid further damage to Washington’s economy (62% of state spending goes to the private sector), the state faces some long-term structural problems with its tax code that also need to be addressed. For example, consider the source of half of [...]
02/14/12 4:10 p.m. This post edited to clarify the distinction between the state “general fund” and “operating budget”. Policy issues like marriage equality, paid sick days and the minimum wage have dominated the news from Olympia so far – but with the next state revenue forecast due on Thursday and cutoff dates looming, it’s time [...]
Excerpted from Washington State Budget 101: Most states have an income tax that makes their tax system more equitable across all incomes and better ensures public revenues keep up with population and economic growth. That means other states have been able to invest in their people and public structures, while Washington has fallen behind. Washington’s [...]
Excerpted from Washington State Budget 101: If Washington’s budget had grown at the same rate as personal income in the state over the past decade, the 2011-13 budget would be $13 billion higher – that would pay for a lot more teachers, lower college tuition, and better protection of the most vulnerable.
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