State Budget

Capitol -- horizontalWashington State faces budget challenges that threaten our ability to maintain public priorities like educating our children, ensuring communities are safe, providing health care for the uninsured, and protecting the environment. These problems are not new, nor will they go away without addressing the fundamental flaws in our revenue system. Especially during this time of historic economic crisis, a balanced approach to the budget deficit that includes reduced spending and revenue increases is crucial to setting the stage for economic recovery in the state.

 

Related research:

No denying it: At least $10 billion has been cut from the state budget

State budget cuts have taken an enormous toll on Washington state’s core public health, education, and community safety structures. Basic public services have been cut by at least $10 billion since the start of the Great Recession. These budget cuts have taken a grizzly toll on the health and well-being of workers and families from Aberdeen to Spokane.

Declining Support for Education Threatens Economic Growth

Washington’s ability to create jobs and build a strong economy is closely linked to providing quality education and making it widely available. But progress is jeopardized by potential options that lawmakers will consider when they meet in special session to respond to the ongoing revenue crisis.

A Framework for Prosperity

Washington’s path to economic recovery and future prosperity is dependent upon the choices we make in the coming weeks. Our state budget is an essential tool for investing in smart choices that will uphold our values and put us on the right path. In the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression, our state’s primary responsibility should be to make investments that will ignite the economy, put people back to work, and provide opportunities for future generations to prosper.

Economic Security: Key to Recovery and Prosperity

State investments play a critical role in protecting Washingtonians against the continued economic downturn. Strong public structures- such as unemployment insurance, child care, housing, and food assistance – protect our families from poverty and deprivation when someone loses a job or faces a financial hardship. These types of investments are especially important when the impact of a downturn is as severe as the one we are experiencing now.
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HIGHLIGHTS

B& PC Policy Analyst testifies before Senate Ways & Means

Policy Analyst Andy Nicholas testified on tax policy and revenue trends before a work session of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Click below.

 

Listen to us on KUOW

Our Executive Director Remy Trupin was recently on "The Conversation." He discussed our proposal to tax capital gains in Washington state. Listen here

Budget & Policy Center video

Our new video, which debuted at our 5th Anniversary event in October, highlights the importance of investments to public structures.

Framework for Prosperity

Explore our comprehensive vision for Washington state and solutions to get us there.  It has two components: invest in our future prosperity and build a revenue system that works for everyone. Read it here

Watch us on "Inside Olympia"

Executive Director Remy Trupin was on TVW's "Inside Olympia" to discuss how to bridge the state's revenue crisis. "Washingtonians clearly want to retain the things that make us prosperous...If we don't raise revenue now, we won't have those things in the future." Remy's panel starts at minute 29:29. Watch here

We are hiring!

Join our team! We are hiring a Development Manager. More information and job descriptions can be found here.