Blog

The Columbia River Crossing and the House- and Senate-passed transportation budgets

This week, both the House and Senate passed 2013–15 transportation budgets. They are both “bare-bones,” as Sen. Eide said of the Senate version. (In a policy brief last month, we wrote about the importance of funding transportation.) The House-passed budget, ESHB 1864, passed April 16 by a 68-28 vote. 2013–15 spending would total $8.480 billion. […]

Northwest coal ports and American railroad success

The Economist, England’s business-oriented news magazine, features the Northwest’s coal export controversy this week. The relatively short piece offers both sides a chance to state their case. Balance in coverage of this issue can be hard to find. It’s worth a read. An associated story from the previous week should not be missed. It deals […]

New Brief: Legislative Congestion Shouldn't Stall Transportation Fix

Washington hasn’t increased the gas tax in eight years, but transportation system maintenance needs and demand for new projects have grown. As the 2012 Connecting Washington Task Force report explains, Fuel tax increases in 2003 and 2005 made it possible to issue bonds to pay for 421 transportation projects throughout the state. That means the […]

Official state revenue forecast comes out at noon today. View with caution.

In my column today I suggest lawmakers take a cautious view of the numbers. The state, national and global economies continue to face substantial risk. A balanced budget is, of course, a priority. But With much risk beyond their control, lawmakers should be cautious in their spending and prudent in maintaining adequate budget reserves. They […]

2013 National Infrastructure Report Card Improves to a D+

The American Society of Civil Engineers released its quadrennial report card on the nation’s infrastructure today. It’s less lousy than it was four years ago. As the New York Times reports: It is the first time in the 15 years that the engineering organization has conducted its study that the grade has improved. The report […]

The Economist magazine looks to the states and finds policy innovation and growing economies.

This issue of The Economist has a look at the American economy. Offsetting the predictable despair over the antics and inaction in D.C. is a positive assessment of American entrepreneurs and the dynamism in the states, what they call the America that works. A couple of excerpts then I encourage you to RTWT. Pressed for […]

Elway poll shows limited appetite for new transportation funding – the search continues

A new Elway Poll underscores the challenge facing legislators and the broad coalition working to fund essential transportation improvements in the state. The Seattle Times reports: A Stuart Elway poll of 412 registered voters found that 72 percent oppose a higher gas tax and 62 percent oppose an increase in the car tab. The poll has a margin […]

The details of the House transportation package proposal

A new “Connecting Washington” transportation package was released this week by state Rep. Judy Clibborn and others. According to the project overview, it would “raise nearly $10 billion for Washington’s transportation system.” The package has been introduced in the House as HB 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957.

Gov. Gregoire proposes new taxes in final budget release

Gov. Chris Gregoire offered her final biennial budget proposal this morning. In addition to required “current revenues” proposal – one that doesn’t rely on new taxes – she presents a plan to make the billion-dollar downpayment on the increased public school funding required by the state Supreme Court’s McCleary decision. From the governor’s press release: […]

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 […]