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ON POINT: Climate Change Policy and Lower-Income Washingtonians In Focus: Income gap growing in Washington State April 9, 2008 - Despite the recent years of economic prosperity, the living standards of low- and middle-income families stagnated or even declined. Senate Budget Largely In Line with House Proposal February 26, 2008 - The Senate budget, released today, is broadly in line with the House budget released last week. Both budgets generally maintain the commitments made in the current budget and make small adjustments. House Budget Maintains Commitments but Misses Opportunity to Invest in Economic Security February 20, 2008 - The House budget maintains most of the state's commitment to providing essential support for families and children with lower incomes. ON POINT: Better Choices for Economic Security February 12, 2008 - 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. Read our perspective as part of our new series, On Point. A Tax Cut for Working Families January, 2008 - 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. Rethinking Property Tax Reform: A series of policy briefs with information and recommendations for Washington State's property tax November, 2007 - An opportunity exists for Washington State to take a thoughtful and balanced approach to property tax reform. Governor's Budget: Important Investments, Long-Term Challenges December 18, 2007 - Today Governor Gregoire released her supplemental budget to make adjustments to ensure Washington State is able to meet developing or unexpected expenses. New revenue projection is $132 million lower November 15, 2007 - The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) today released its revised estimate of revenue for the current biennium. Compared to the estimate released in September, revenue is projected to be $132.4 million less. New revenue forecast brings more welcome news September 14, 2008 - The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released more good news today for Washington State. The latest forecast projects an additional $213 million for the 2007-09 biennium. Census data backs need for children’s health insurance August 28, 2007 - Census data released today indicates that tens of thousands of Washington children lack health insurance. New analysis finds that Initiative 960 could have serious negative consequences for Washington State August 6, 2007 - A new analysis of Initiative 960 completed by the Budget & Policy Center finds that the initiative will not further widely shared goals of improving government accountability and transparency. New revenue forecast brings welcome news June 14, 2007 - The State's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released good news today for Washington State--revenue projections for the 2005-07 and 2007-09 biennia have been increased by a combined $484 million. Today's news provides support for government investment in education, health care, and savings for a rainy day. Washington State Ranks 36th in Levels of State and Local Taxation May 22, 2007 - 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. Modest Senate Budget Funds Key Programs at Lower Levels Than House Budget March 28, 2007 - The Senate budget is more modest than the House budget or Governor's proposal. Balancing Adequacy and Equity with a Property Tax Circuit Breaker House budget proposal follows Governor's lead Updated revenue forecast brings mixed news Balancing Adequacy and Equity in Washington State’s Property Tax February 27, 2007 - The property tax in Washington State funds essential local priorities such as education, fire protection, and hospitals. New research by the Center explores the opportunity for the state to ensure adequate funding for these essential public programs while addressing the existing inequities in the system. Tax Expenditure Reports A Tool for Transparent, Timely Budgeting February 13, 2007 - A proposal to require reporting on the full impacts and costs of the hundreds of tax exemptions and special tax breaks is once again under consideration by the legislature. High Interest, Lost Opportunity Governor Gregoire’s Rainy Day Fund Proposal:Potential Benefits and Serious LimitationsJanuary 17, 2006 - Governor Gregoire’s call for the creation of a rainy day fund in Washington State has merit in that it could provide much needed budgetary flexibility in cushioning the negative impacts of cyclical economic downturns, according to this policy brief on the Governor's proposal by the Budget & Policy Center.
Benefit levels have not kept up with the cost of living January 2007 - The monthly WorkFirst cash assistance benefit is a key part of the state’s social safety net, but it has not been increased since 1993. 1990s state tax cuts have limited Washington State's ability to fund public priorities December 21, 2006 - The strong economy and resulting revenue growth of the middle and late 1990s led 44 states to cut taxes. Governor Gregoire's budget for 2007-2009 biennium released today December 19, 2006 - Today, Governor Gregoire released her two-year budget proposal for 2007 to 2009, the starting point for the legislature when they convene in January. New Revenue Forecast Numbers Updated state economic and revenue projection September 20, 2006 - Today, the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released preliminary results from their quarterly forecast of the economy, including updated projections of how much revenue the state will collect in coming years. New analysis of Census Bureau data: New data shows economic growth has made little progress for working families August 29, 2006 - It has been four years since the national recession that started and ended in 2001. New data from the Census Bureau gives us an opportunity to compare today's Washington State economy with that of 2000, before the recession. New data provides insight into well-being of Washingtonians New Federal Estate Tax Bill would lower the Washington Minimum Wage for many workers August 1, 2006 - It has been ten years this month since the last time Congress passed a federal minimum wage increase, despite perennial proposals to do so. Proposed federal estate tax changes would continue recent trend of cutting taxes for wealthiest Washingtonians Structural deficit looms despite short-term good news: Budget structure hurts low and moderate-income Washingtonians June 15, 2006 - Today, the state Economic and Revenue Forecasting Council (ERFC) released their quarterly revenue projection. Our report finds that despite the recent good news that revenue collections have exceeded original projections, Washington's future fiscal balance remains precarious. How would a repeal or near repeal of the Federal Estate Tax Impact Washington? June 5, 2006 - Legislation is moving this week in the Senate to repeal the federal estate tax, a move that wouls cut federal funding by a trillion dollars over ten years. Medicaid: Over a million low-income Washington residents face new health care barriers February, 2006 - Changes in the Medicaid program are the most significant in the budget agreement.
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