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 |
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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from the Economic Opportunity Institute. Liquid layout thanks
to Matthew James Taylor.
