Washington State Budget & Policy Center

To create a just and prosperous Washington, we develop progressive solutions based on sound research and work with community partners to shape the debate on budget and tax reform.

BUDGET & POLICY NEWS

Current Federal Estate Tax Supports Public Priorities

The federal estate tax is an important source of funding for such essential investments as health care, education, the environment and national security. It applies to a small number of the wealthiest estates, affecting only one of every 500 estates around the country. Even then, they pay on average less than one-fifth of the total value of the estates. Some proposals before Congress, would likely result in less equitable taxation or significant cuts to key priorities. To read the entire paper, click here.

The Impact of Budget Cuts on Public Health

State and local budget cuts in Washington are deteriorating our public health infrastructure that prevents disease, promotes healthy communities, and responds to emergencies. A new report co-released today by the Washington State Budget & Policy Center, the Washington State Public Health Association, and the Washington State Nurses Association shows programs and services have been reduced or eliminated in 24 of the state’s 35 local health jurisdictions, where public health is primarily administered. In addition, 23 of 35 local health jurisdictions cut back on staff and 24 of 35 LHJs have experienced sizable funding cuts.

Read the Press Release

Read the Report

Toxic Twins: I-1033 Mirrors Colorado's Corrosive TABOR

In November, Washington voters will make a choice on Initiative 1033. Sponsored by Tim Eyman, I-1033 possesses the same fundamental characteristics as TABOR, which was adopted by Colorado voters in 1992 and suspended in 2005. Like TABOR, I-1033 would cap state and local revenue growth according to a rigid formula based on population growth and inflation. Because I-1033 and TABOR share the same essential elements, I-1033 would have a similar corrosive effect on Washington that TABOR had on Colorado. To read the entire paper, click here.

I-1033 Undermines Public Priorities

Initiative 1033 would impose strict spending limits on state and local governments resulting in sharp reductions in public investments in education, community development, health care, and economic security. By restricting resources, I-1033 would dramatically weaken the state’s ability to fund important public priorities and would diminish the quality of life for all Washingtonians. To read the entire paper, click here.

I-1033: What's At Stake for Washington State

I-1033 is a ballot initiative expected to qualify for the November 2009 ballot. Our analysis finds that it would:

Constrict the ability of state, county, and city governments to make essential public investments.
Exacerbate the effects of economic and fiscal downturns.
Increase the current deficit by half a billion dollars.

Watch the slideshow below for more details:

Increasing Access to Healthy Food

A recent report issued by the Washington State Budget & Policy Center finds that for those living in poverty and struggling to keep food on the table, financial and geographic barriers make it harder to shop at grocery stores. As a result they often turn to corner markets or gas station mini marts for food where there are fewer healthy options.

Read the Press Release

Read the Policy Brief

How to Lower Costs of Climate Change Policies for Consumers

The Budget and Policy Center is releasing a new policy brief today on a federal climate rebate proposal. With cap-and-trade legislation currently being drafted in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, it is critical that lawmakers adequately address the regressive financial impact that any carbon-pricing policy will have on lower and moderate income households. The paper provides a framework for how a climate rebate assisting lower and moderate income households can be integrated into federal climate policy. Read the policy brief.

A Fair Sales Tax for Health and Economic Security
The House Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee passed a referendum to temporarily raise the state retail sales tax from 6.5 to 6.8 cents to generate revenue for essential health care investments. The proposal includes implementing the Working Families Tax Rebate to offset the costs of the tax increase for lower income families. This policy protects the health and well-being of lower income adults and children in Washington during the economic recession and recognizes the need for progressive tax reform in our state. To read a statement by the Budget & Policy Center on this policy proposal, click here. For more information on the Working Families Tax Rebate, click here.

Policy Brief: Working Families Tax Rebate

The Working Families Tax Rebate is an effective tool the state can use as part of a strategy for economic and fiscal recovery. It builds on the highly successful federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which lifts millions of people out of poverty nationwide each year. Washington lawmakers should consider raising revenue to avoid deep budget cuts that will harm the state and use the Working Families Tax Rebate to offset the disproportionate impact a regressive tax increase would have on lower income families. Read the Policy Brief here, and track additional analysis on our blog, schmudget.

The High Cost of Subprime Lending in Washington State

Our report finds costly mortgages for Latinos and African Americans and suggests that Washington State may not yet have seen the worst of the mortgage crisis. Read the report and our press release.

Report Charts a Shared Vision for Washington State Budget

The Progress Index report provides high-quality data and analysis of the state budget as well as a values-driven framework for the conversation about where we are, where we want to be, and how we can get there. Now that Washington State’s economy has taken a turn for the worse the Progress Index is even more relevant to moving our state forward.