Transportation funding, climate change and the electric car tax incentive … skeptics want to tap the brake
Gov. Jay Inslee believes electric cars are good for the state and good for the planet. And he’s looking for ways to promote them. …Inslee wants to extend a sales-tax break for electric vehicles and explore giving them access to carpool lanes…[Also, he] said he wants to install more charging stations and create incentives for builders […]
November 26 , 2014 - Richard S. Davis
Making the most of education investment: maintain standards, target early learning, scrap 1351
The headline summarizes some recent editorial observations. And nicely comports with budget realities. The News Tribune takes a strong editorial stand in support of academic accountability. At a time when the world is demanding more of high school graduates, Washington’s public schools shouldn’t be demanding less. Washington and many other states are phasing in the […]
November 19 , 2014 - Kriss Sjoblom
New general fund–state revenue forecast: up $107.9 million for 2013–15 biennium; up $241.3 million for 2015–17 biennium
The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) held its quarterly meeting today. The forecast of general fund–state revenue for the current biennium (2013–15) increased by $107.9 million to $33,439.8 million. The forecast of general fund-state revenue for the upcoming biennium (2015–17) increased by $241.3 million to $36,319.5 million. This is the seventh consecutive meeting […]
November 13 , 2014 - Richard S. Davis
Clarifying the 2015 budget picture
Kriss posted yesterday on the improved revenue picture. As Brad Shannon reports, the higher revenue collections are accompanied by higher caseload and enrollment numbers. State budget director David Schumacher told the Caseload Forecast Council meeting in Olympia that an expected increase in K-12 school enrollments alone may add $380 million to the state’s costs through June 2017, which […]
November 13 , 2014 - Richard S. Davis
Voters delivered a sensible message: What it means for 2015
In my column yesterday I assessed last week’s election, finding parallels between the national and Washington state outcomes. Using national trends to interpret our state elections can be risky. We’re different out here and proud of it. But last week showed some unmistakable signs that the wave sweeping most of the country splashed us as […]
November 12 , 2014 - Kriss Sjoblom
September 11–October 10 state revenue collections were $14.4 million above forecast
This afternoon the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council issued its monthly Economic and Revenue Update. Here are the key bullets on revenue from the summary: Major General Fund-State revenue collections for the October 11 – November 10, 2014 collection period were $53.7 million (4.1%) higher than the September forecast. $50.0 million of the surplus came […]
November 03 , 2014 - Richard S. Davis
Supporting biotech and more with growth-oriented tax policy
H. Stewart Parker, a pioneer in Washington’s life sciences industry, writes in today’s Seattle Times that our state risks falling behind in the competition for biotech investment. Washington has a lot going for it business-wise, but we must not underestimate the competition for the life-sciences industry. The Washington state Legislature did not renew our industry tax […]
October 29 , 2014 - Richard S. Davis
Next year's legislature must address transportation funding
In my column today, I revisit the Washington Roundtable-Boston Consulting Group report we posted on last week. According to BCG, a $7 billion investment would return $42 billion in value over 30 years. The benefits show up in reduced congestion costs, improved safety, lower vehicle operating costs, expanded port activity, and lower future repair costs. […]
October 28 , 2014 - Richard S. Davis
Washington stays at No. 11 on Tax Foundations 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index
The Tax Foundation today releases its 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index, again finding Washington among the best, just out of the top ten at No. 11. From the group's press release for Washington. The breakdown of Washington’s ranking this year is as follows (1st is best, 50th is worst): * Washington’s overall State Business […]
October 27 , 2014 - Emily Makings
Washington Health Benefit Exchange asks for $147 million for 2015-17
State Rep. Reuven Carlyle writes about the Washington Health Benefits Exchange’s (HBE) proposed 2015-17 budget: At a time when state agencies are being asked to model and potentially cut 15% from their budgets, the Washington Health Benefits Exchange is poised to ask the legislature to lift the cap on their budget to an astonishing $147 […]