In 2026, the Washington State Budget and Policy Center is celebrating 20 years of advancing and championing economic justice in Washington state.

As we reflect on our 20th anniversary, we are so proud of the ways our organization contributes to a more just state. In fact, in just the past few years, we’ve played a role in protecting the capital gains tax and long-term care on the ballot and in passing the new Millionaires Tax – which will fund a critical expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit! And we remain motivated by our vision of ensuring every community is thriving and that all people can enjoy a bright economic future with health, freedom, and joy.

Policy highlights from our first 20 years

Below is a snapshot of some of what we helped accomplish over the years – through our research, communications, and advocacy! We have collaborated with coalitions, partner organizations, community leaders, and people who are impacted by these policies across the state to help secure these wins: 

• 2010: Voters defeat Initiative 1033, thus protecting public sector jobs and community investments.
• 2013: An expansion of Medicaid for adults with low incomes is a critical investment in public health.
• 2015: The Early Start Act passes, bringing high-quality early learning to more children.
• 2016: Voters pass an initiative to raise the statewide minimum wage to $13.50 and provide sick and safe leave – so workers can make a better living and protect their well-being.
• 2017: Governor Inslee vetoes a tax break for big manufacturers that would have siphoned money out of communities.
• 2020: The Washington Worker Relief Fund, which gives emergency payments to people who are undocumented, is created in the push for an equitable COVID recovery.
• 2021: The Working Families Tax Credit, which provides a cash boost to people with low incomes, and the capital gains tax, which funds early learning and schools, are passed into law. (Once implemented, these policies will lead to monumental improvements to our state’s inequitable tax code.)
• 2022: Legislation waives court debt for some people who are unable to pay, helping to disrupt cycles of poverty caused by an inequitable system of monetary sanctions. And funding for an Apple Health Expansion provides much-needed health insurance for many immigrants.
• 2023: Growing Resilience in Tacoma, a successful guaranteed basic income program that had been privately funded, receives state funding as part of efforts to provide cash assistance to people who need it.
• 2024: Voters reject initiatives to overturn the capital gains tax, the Long Term Care Act, and the Climate Commitment Act – thus protecting revenue that supports people and our climate.
• 2026: The Millionaires Tax passes. Among other things, it is set to expand the Working Families Tax Credit – giving a tax rebate to more people struggling with the cost of living – and provide free meals to schoolkids. And the Immigrant Workers Protection Act passes, ensuring employers alert employees of workplace audits and inform them of their rights.

Stay tuned

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our e-communications for more anniversary highlights. And support our efforts now. In celebration of our 20th anniversary, some very generous donors who believe in the Budget and Policy Center’s mission will ensure your gift will be matched!

We couldn’t have gotten here without our partners, friends, and financial supporters – and we look forward to continuing to work with you to build an inclusive and equitable economy in the next 20 years and beyond!

Testimonials from some partners and friends on our anniversary

“I’m proud to lead the Budget and Policy Center board of directors because of our commitment to make economic security and racial justice a reality for all of us who call this state home. It is inspiring to see what the center has been able to accomplish over the last 20 years, in coalition with community partners across Washington. We’re listening, learning, and we’re just getting started.” 

– Brenda Anibarro, Budget and Policy Center board chair and president of learning and community engagement, Inatai Foundation  

“Congratulations to the Washington State Budget and Policy Center on their 20th anniversary of serving as their state’s leading authority on tax and budget policy. We’re proud to partner with them, as a member of the State Priorities Partnership, on their nation-leading work to advance revenue policies that are supporting billions of dollars of investment in Washington’s schools, families, and communities–making a daily difference in the lives of Washingtonians.” 

– Sharon Parrott, president, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; Washington, D.C. 

“The Budget and Policy Center has supported me in bringing accessible information to communities in eastern Washington about how our state’s inequitable tax code affects their lives — and why their voices are essential to efforts to change it. It is clear their team is committed to advancing economic and racial justice in every corner of our state.”

– Lu Hill, community engagement and strategy director, Waters Meet Foundation; Spokane 

“For 20 years, the Budget and Policy Center has been a steadfast partner in advancing policies that uplift working people and families and strengthen their economic security. From supporting the minimum wage increase to helping pass the capital gains tax and the Working Families Tax Credit, their work has helped create a brighter future for people in King County and across Washington.”  

– King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda