New Brief: Nation's Seventh-Best Business Climate?
Last week, the Tax Foundation released its annual ranking of state business tax climates. Washington–largely thanks to our lack of an income tax–ranks seventh in the nation. In a policy brief, we discuss the ranking and what it means for Washington. This brief builds on a post from Dick last week.
February 01 , 2012 - Emily Makings
New Brief: The First 2012 Supplemental Budget
During this legislative session, legislators must close a significant 2011-13 budget shortfall. They started the work during the special session late last year. In a new policy brief today, we look at the 2012 supplemental that was enacted in December. It solved only part of the budget problem.
January 30 , 2012 - Kriss Sjoblom
Machinery & Equipment Exemption Key to Keeping Jobs, Investments in Washington
Manufacturing continues to be a strength of Washington’s economy. We have published a Policy Brief on the machinery and equipment exemption, which contributes to that strength by encouraging the capital investments that anchor manufacturing here.
January 24 , 2012 - Emily Makings
New Brief: The Drag of Unfunded Commitments
During the current legislative session, legislators must close a significant remaining 2011-13 budget shortfall. When in a situation like this, it is tempting to suspend programs rather than eliminate them, in the hopes that the economy will improve in the next biennium. Indeed, legislators have deferred spending on various programs, in this biennium and previously. […]
December 05 , 2011 - Emily Makings
New Brief: Governor's 2012 Supplemental Budget Proposal
In a new brief, we detail Governor Gregoire’s proposed 2012 supplemental budget. Not only does the governor propose a long list of spending cuts and fund transfers, she also recommends a number of revenue raisers — including, of course, an increase in the sales tax. Should voters and the legislature agree to increase taxes, the […]
November 18 , 2011 - Kriss Sjoblom
Trends in Washington's Life Sciences Industry 2007-2011
An economic impact analysis of the state’s life sciences industry by the Research Council was released today at the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association’s Governor’s Life Sciences Summit and Annual Meeting. We estimate that the various segments of the life sciences industry directly employed over 33,500 people in the state in 2010. Those life science […]
November 08 , 2011 - Emily Makings
Thrive Washington: Setting Priorities, Marking Progress
The last of nine Thrive Washington papers is now available: Setting Priorities, Marking Progress. Thrive Washington is a research series developed by the Washington Roundtable and the Washington Research Council. Other papers focused on fiscal policy, business costs, competitive sourcing, health care, government restructuring, regulatory reform, and economic development. The final paper reviews progress made by […]
November 08 , 2011 - Emily Makings
New Brief: The Budget Arc: State Spending from Expansion to Recession, 2003-2013
Our latest policy brief looks at state spending trends from 2003 to 2013. The recession isn’t the only reason the state budget situation is such a mess. Spending choices made in flusher years are also contributing factors. The numbers we cite for the 2011-13 biennium are as budgeted — they will be cut further. The […]
October 07 , 2011 - Emily Makings
New Brief: I-1163: Once, Twice, Still Not a Priority
We have taken a look at Initiative 1163, and the resulting policy brief is here. I-1163 would essentially make the state implement training and background check requirements for long-term care workers (which were approved by voters in 2008) this biennium. The program never had a dedicated source of funding, and the legislature has never implemented […]
September 30 , 2011 - Emily Makings
New Brief: I-1125: Jamming Transportation Planning
We have a new brief today on Initiative 1125, which would affect tolling and transportation policy in Washington. The initiative would forbid the transfer of revenues in the motor vehicle fund or any toll fund to the general fund; require that lanes funded by the gas tax or tolls be used for highway purposes; require […]