60% of Washington’s budget (read: K-12 education and Medicare) is both constitutionally and legally protected from cuts. That means the projected $5 billion revenue shortfall in Washington’s 2011-13 budget will be carved out of $14 billion — a 35% cut. But legislators have another choice.
By putting tax exemptions and preferences — now worth $6.5 billion — under the microscope, state elected officials can prevent massive cuts to our public colleges and universities, ensure continued health care for low-income workers, keep parks and recreation programs open, and maintain other public priorities.
The League of Education Voters has released a handy new tool that allows you to balance the budget with a mix of spending cuts, new revenue options and the closure of numerous tax exemptions. And EOI has released an updated list of over $4 billion in budget-balancing recommendations.
So, how would you balance Washington’s budget?
More To Read
March 20, 2024
I-2111: The Income Tax Ban Is A Spectacle, but One We Can’t Ignore
A way to waste time, energy, and money, I-2111 is costing more than just taxes
March 20, 2024
Let’s Go Washington: Three initiatives threatening to roll back years of progress
Here’s what you need to know about the initiatives on your November ballot
March 12, 2024
Washington’s Women Are More Protected This Equal Pay Day
Thanks to an update to the state's wage discrimination protections, Washington woman are closer to closing the wage gap