Despite strong growth in overall economic productivity over the past decade, the majority of Washington's working families have not shared in the economic wealth they have helped create. While a few at the top have prospered, for most wages have stagnated and benefits slipped away. The job market remains as segregated by gender today as it was twenty years ago, and women continue to earn far less than men.
Today it is more important than ever we ensure economic growth is
founded on broad-based prosperity, so economic security and opportunity
are available to all. New public policies are needed to match the changes
on our economy, including access to health care, paid family leave
and paid sick days, retirement security, and a social safety net.
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.
03.21.2012
| Passing the Jobs Bonds package should be a top priority for Washington’s
Legislature during the special session. Rebuilding school facilities,
retrofitting for energy efficiency, improving water quality, and
cleaning up the environment will immediately create badly needed
jobs across the state – and build the foundation for a healthier,
more sustainable economy in the future.
03.05.2012
| In 2011, unemployment declined slightly and many sectors experienced
modest job growth. A second year of private sector job growth may
indicate the state is beginning to emerge from the long-lasting
effects of the Great Recession, but economic insecurity remains
a stark reality for many - and even if growth rates climb, full
recovery is a long way off.
EOI's annual economic report on Washington's jobs, families and economy is now available online!
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