State Budget
Widely shared prosperity does not happen by accident. It happens when we deliberately invest in the foundations of a strong economy—broad and equal opportunity to build knowledge and skills, adequate compensation and support for workers, and targeted investments in conditions that foster economic growth.
Washington state’s investments should:
- Provide opportunity for all. Opportunities that most Washingtonians need to prosper—access to high-quality education, health care, transportation, clean environment, and work supports—are cost-effective and improve long-term outcomes for families, communities, and the economy.
- Create better jobs. A thriving middle class is dependent on having enough jobs that allow Washingtonians to get ahead, and policies that reward workers for their productivity. In addition, jobs that maintain our physical infrastructure (construction and maintenance on schools, roads, bridges, transportation) and build knowledge and skills (teachers, job trainers, social workers) strengthen the foundation of a strong economy.
When more people have a chance to reach their full potential and enough economic security to make investments in their future, our economy will grow.
Related research:
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Governor's Budget Undermines Progress
- January 15, 2009 - Today the Budget & Policy Center is releasing a detailed analysis of Governor Gregoire’s 2009-11 budget proposal, which includes $3.6 billion in spending cuts that will have an impact on all areas of the state budget.
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New revenue forecast emphasizes need for action on budget
- November 19, 2008 - The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council today announced that the state's expected revenue will be over $400 million short of the amount needed to pay for current state commitments (2007-09). Including the 2009-11 bienium brings the total deficit to over $5 billion. Read the Update
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New Tool to Understand the Budget Deficit
- (Updated 12/08/08) November 13, 2008 - The Budget & Policy Center has created a resource for understanding the projected state budget deficit. The slide show outlines the current revenue situation and budget pressures.
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Addressing Budget Deficit Requires Revenue
- September 23, 2008 - Due to the economic downturn and a long-term structural problem with Washington State’s budget, we are facing a $3 billion deficit. This calls for comprehensive and deliberative efforts to address the problem. Read the Policy Brief
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Revenue forecast analysis
- September 17, 2008 - Today's revenue forecast underlines the need to begin a deliberative discussion about the state budget. Read the Update
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IN FOCUS: State Spending
- July 17, 2008 - Over the last decade Washington’s state budget expenses have remained flat, dedicating just six percent of our economy to ensure our priorities are funded.
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Forecast further underlines need for revenue
- June 20, 2008 - As a state, we have rightfully made significant long-term investments in public education, health care, and early learning.. Read the update
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Senate Budget Largely In Line with House Proposal
- February 26, 2008 - The Senate budget, released today, is broadly in line with the House budget released last week. Both budgets generally maintain the commitments made in the current budget and make small adjustments. Read the update
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House Budget Maintains Commitments but Misses Opportunity to Invest in Economic Security
- February 20, 2008 - The House budget maintains most of the state's commitment to providing essential support for families and children with lower incomes.
