State Economy Publications

2012-13 State Economy Publications

Fair Revenue for an Opportunity Economy in Washington

05.17.2013 | The 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. In the McCleary decision, the courts ruled the state must invest more in K-12 schools. 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 »

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.

Policy Brief »

Jobs Bonds: A recipe for Washington's economic recovery

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.

Policy Brief »

Washington's economy: Back in the frying pan for 2012

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..