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New Policy Brief: Strengthening Washington’s Rainy Day Fund

Posted by Andy Nicholas at Feb 28, 2011 03:40 PM |
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To preserve our essential public systems and structures, it is imperative that lawmakers consider reforms that would expand and strengthen Washington’s rainy day fund (RDF). Formally known as the Budget Stabilization Account, the state RDF is an essential tool designed to bolster key priorities like health care and education during recessions, natural disasters, and other state emergencies. The Great Recession has shown Washington’s current RDF to be inadequate.

Our latest policy brief, Strengthening Washington’s Rainy Day Fund, offers three long-term reforms that would make our RDF a more adequate, accessible, and accountable tool in future state emergencies. These reform options include:

  • Improving the adequacy of the RDF by increasing annual deposits.
  • Fostering improved RDF access and accountability by eliminating the supermajority requirement and applying strict limitations.
  • Ensuring the rainy day fund does not hinder recovery efforts by modifying deposit requirements.

For details on each of these proposals and background information on Washington’s RDF, read the entire brief.

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KIDS-COUNT-in-WA-logo-web-sm-1.jpg

The State of Washington’s Children 2012 is a broad review of how Washington’s 1.5 million kids are faring in tough times. The report is issued by KIDS COUNT in Washington, a new partnership we formed with Children’s Alliance to improve young lives in Washington. Download the report.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Watch us on TVW

Our Executive Director Remy Trupin recently appeared on TVW to discuss the 2012 Legislative Session, revenue options, and reform.

 Remy TVW


Legislative Testimony

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

 Andy testimony






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.

Check out our video

We created a video for our 5th Anniversary that highlights the importance of public investments to education, healthcare, and economic security. Click below.

Video screen shot