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Washington Policy Review

Latest Publication

Evaluating Paid Sick Leave: Social, Economic and Health Implications for Washington

05.15.2013 | In today’s economy, many families and businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Paid sick leave standards are an important policy tool to help restore economic security for working families, while protecting public health, improving business productivity, supporting families caring for elders, and boosting children’s success in school.

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Recent Publications

Fair Revenue for an Opportunity Economy in Washington

05.17.2013 | he Great Recession and painfully slow recovery have resulted in five years of fiscal crisis for Washington. But the state began ratcheting down the level of spending on public education at least two decades ago. The level of public support for higher education also has fallen for years and plummeted with the recession, putting the dream of a college education – and the jobs of the future – out of reach for many.

Fact Sheet »

A Work and Family Agenda for Washington

05.17.2013 | The Work and Family Agenda assures that everyone has Paid Sick Days for preventive care or when a nasty virus hits, as well Family and Medical Leave Insurance for the handful of times in their careers when they need longer periods of time off – to welcome a new child, recover from surgery, or care for an aging parent.

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Family and Medical Leave Insurance: How WA’s workers can protect themselves and their families from economic catastrophe

04.26.2013 | Most of the American workforce has only a few days or weeks of paid leave available – and many workers have none at all – leaving families unprotected and businesses vulnerable. Low-income and part-time workers are less likely to receive any type of workplace benefit without legal protection, and many don’t get a single paid day off.

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Building a Responsible Budget for Washington State

03.28.2013 | Washington’s legislature must adopt a budget for the two year period beginning in July 2013. Our elected leaders can improve K-12 education, expand access to early learning and higher education, and protect basic public health and safety by: 1) Raising the Business and Occupation tax rate for services from 1.5% to 2.5%, and 2) Ending tax breaks that are outmoded or of lesser priority than educational opportunity.

Fact Sheet »

Family and Medical Leave Insurance for Washington State

UPDATED 01.14.2013 | There are a handful of times during one’s career when it will be necessary to take significant time away from work for health or family needs: to welcome a new child, recover from surgery, care for a spouse with cancer, or tend to aging parents. Paid family and medical leave not only enables workers to take time to address care needs, but provides benefits to families, business owners, and communities.

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Pay It Forward: Refinancing Higher Education to Restore the American Dream

10.26.2012 | Growing numbers of Washington’s high school graduates are losing their shot at the American Dream, as the long-term decline in state funding for higher education pushes tuition costs out of reach for middle-class families. It is time to radically rethink how Washington state finances its public colleges and universities, so the American Dream stays within reach of every student willing to put in the time and effort to succeed in school.

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Washington State Budget 101

UPDATED 11.27.2012 | Where does state revenue come from, and how is it spent? Why does Washington face budget deficits - and how big have budget cuts really been? Get answers to these and other important budget and tax policy questions in this convenient sheet.

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On the ropes or on the rebound? How Washington's legislature can boost our post-recession economy

10.24.2012 | How the 2013 legislature and new Governor address the funding shortage for K-12 education, implementation of the Affordable Care Act and capital investments will affect all sectors of the economy. Smart choices and intentional public investments will move Washington much more quickly into recovery, strengthening industries and communities throughout the state.