Our Framework for Prosperity

Invest in our future and build a revenue system that works

Washington’s path to economic recovery and future prosperity is dependent upon the choices we make in the coming weeks. This week, the Governor will roll out her plan to close our state's budget gap.  Now more than ever, we need investments that we know create high quality jobs, a strong economy, and promote social and economic well-being for all Washingtonians.

Our Framework for Prosperity provides a vision for the future and solutions to get us there.  It has two components:

Invest in our future prosperity

By pursuing practical and reasonable strategies, we can emerge from the economic downturn as a state where everyone can achieve prosperity. Our strategies for building prosperity include:

• Putting Washingtonians back to work;

• Preserving opportunities for accessing high quality, affordable education;

• Creating conditions for healthy living and safe environments; and

• Building thriving communities by ensuring public safety.

Build a revenue system that works

We need revenue to make this vision a reality. For too long Washington’s revenue system has failed to keep pace with the investments we value, our rapidly growing and diverse population, and the enormous demand for public health and family support services amid the most severe economic downturn in 60 years.   (View the full brief for details on the solutons listed below).

Raise revenue now

• Temporarily increase and permanently modernize our state sales tax.  
• Eliminate unproductive tax breaks.

Make long-term structural changes

• Enact a new tax on capital gains.
• Strengthen our Rainy Day Fund.
• Lower taxes for lower-and middle-income families.
• Increase transparency and accountability of our tax system.
  

Our Framework for Prosperity lays out a vision that upholds the values that matter most to Washingtonians – economic security for all, educational opportunity, optimal health, a sustainable environment, and safe, strong communities. Coupled with an adequate revenue system, we can achieve this vision.  Together, we can make Washington a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Read the Framework for Prosperity here.