ON POINT: Climate Change Policy and Lower-Income Washingtonians
It is clear that action must be taken to halt and reverse the damage being done to our environment and economy by climate change, but policies currently under consideration do not sufficiently address the disproportionately negative impact climate change policies will have on lower-income households. The Budget & Policy Center submitted comments to the Western Climate Initiative that include a set of principles that should guide state and regional climate change policy.

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In Focus: Income gap growing in Washington State

Despite the recent years of economic prosperity, the living standards of low- and middle-income families stagnated or even declined.  In Washington State the incomes of poor families fell by 4.2% while the incomes of the richest families climbed 11.8%.  Now in the face of an economic downturn, these families are less prepared to weather the storm. 

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House Budget Maintains Commitments but Misses Opportunity to Invest in Economic Security

The House budget maintains most of the state's commitment to providing essential support for families and children with lower incomes. However, making additional investments would help to minimize the effects of the economic downturn in our state. Future economic security will depend on recognizing the long-term picture and making better choices that ensure our shared prosperity.

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ON POINT: Better Choices for Economic Security

In light of the pending revenue forecast, state leaders have the opportunity to make the right investments now to minimize the effects of the economic downturn on families, communities, and the regional economy.  Rather than knee-jerk reactions such as budget cuts, there are better choices that are known to foster economic security.
Read our perspective as part of our new series, On Point.

A Tax Cut for Working Families

The Washington State Budget & Policy Center has released a simple and effective proposal to provide a much-needed tax break for working families. Our proposal has resulted in state legislation.  The Working Families Credit will cut taxes for more than 350,000 workers with lower wages by adding 10 percent to their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund.

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Rethinking Property Tax Reform: A series of policy briefs with information and recommendations for Washington State's property tax

An opportunity exists for Washington State to take a thoughtful and balanced approach to property tax reform. The special session held on Thursday, November 29th should be the beginning of a process leading to a comprehensive reevaluation of the property tax. The Budget & Policy Center has developed an online resource to help voters, taxpayers, policymakers and the media understand the complex property tax system and the effects of various proposals.

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Governor's Budget: Important Investments, Long-Term Challenges

Governor Gregoire released her supplemental budget to make adjustments to ensure Washington State is able to meet developing or unexpected expenses.

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Washington State Ranks 36th in Levels of State and Local Taxation

A Center policy brief analyzing a newly released United States Census Bureau data set of state and local taxation levels finds that in 2005 Washington State ranked in the bottom third of states in overall levels of state and local taxation, when measured as a percentage of personal income.

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