News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
Americans pay far higher prices for prescription drugs than do people in other wealthy countries. The reason that other countries spend so much less on drugs is that their governments negotiate prices with the pharmaceutical industry. The United States government could adopt the same approach with the Medicare drug program and use its market leverage […]
In a 6-3 decision this morning, the Washington State Supreme Court struck down the rule requiring a supermajority (two-thirds) vote of the legislature to pass taxes or close tax loopholes. The court found the measure, long backed by initiative promoter Tim Eyman, violates the state constitution’s “plain language” that “prohibits either the people or the […]
A handful of WA state senators – none of whom represent Seattle constituents – are attempting to undermine Seattle’s democratic process and silence the will of the people.
Many of our state lawmakers got where they are today thanks to the affordable education they received at Washington State’s public universities. So how does the opportunity they enjoyed compare to what they are offering this year’s freshman class? The chart above graphs total tuition and fees—adjusted for inflation—paid by a range of lawmakers for […]
