Tax Reform Publications

2008-2009 tax reform Publications

Washington State education funding and tax reform

05.01.2009 | Washington State must ensure public investment in education keeps up with the needs of today's students and tomorrow's economy. A more modern tax system that is fair to middle-class families will fuel long-term economic growth and keep the doors to personal opportunity open for everyone. Presented by Marilyn Watkins, Policy Director, Economic Opportunity Institute at the Washington PTA State Convention.

Part One	Part Three	Part Five
Part Two	Part Four	Part Six

Washington's Structural Deficit: Without tax reform, pain will outlast recession

04.27.2009 | Washington’s budget woes will outlast the recession because the state also has a structural deficit. Without raising rates or adding new taxes, revenues to support public services grow more slowly than the economy as a whole. As a result, our state is losing the ability to provide the kind of education system and infrastructure that residents and businesses need to thrive in the modern economy. Policy Brief »

An Income Tax for Washington: Questions and Answers

04.22.2009 | Washington State has been losing ground on education for 15 years, slipping towards the bottom of national rankings in class size and school funding. Our children, workers, and businesses deserve better. The recession highlights how difficult it is to raise additional revenues to maintain and improve public services, given Washington’s outmoded and regressive tax structure. Could now be the time to implement a new tax structure including an income tax in Washington State? Full Report »

Recession Reaches Washington: A State Response

02.12.2009 | The recession has caught up with Washington. It is more important than ever that the state avoid drastic spending cuts that could feed the downward spiral. President Obama’s strategy to invest in infrastructure and a range of services shows more promise. Unfortunately, Washington State appears poised to repeat the mistakes of the last recession by slashing public services – and jobs – which could deepen and prolong the effects of the recession locally. Full Report »

An Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plan for Washington

12.17.2008 | We will not be able to get Washington’s economy – or the nation’s – on track to sustainable growth without rebuilding a financially secure middle class. By raising new revenues for strategic investments and modernizing our workplace standards and social insurance systems, Washington can build a sustainable 21st century economy where opportunity and prosperity are more broadly shared. Executive Summary » Full Report »

Incremental Steps Toward Tax Reform

07.08.2008 | A series of forward-thinking proposals to cut taxes for small businesses and homeowners, and reform our tax system to generate new revenue for critical investments in education, transportation and human services in the years ahead.

A High Incomes Tax | Fact Sheet »

Expanding Washington's Sales Tax Base | Fact Sheet »

Closing Selected Tax Breaks and IncreasinG
Small Business B&O Tax Credit | Fact Sheet »

Everybody Else Gets One: An analysis of tax breaks in Washington

04.21.2008 | Reviews the 567 tax exemptions on the books as of 2007 and suggests that some of the lost revenue could be better spent on improving education, health, the environment, transportation, or other public services.

Full Report »

Fairer Taxes for Washington: Taxing high incomes to reduce regressive taxes and improve public services

04.21.2008 | Outlines options for a limited tax on the highest income households in Washington, coupled with a reduction in sales or property taxes, to create a fairer tax system that keeps pace with economic growth.

Full Report »