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Category Archives: Finance
Wash. House committee OKs bill suspending I-960
Lawmakers are moving closer to suspending tax-limiting Initiative 960, something that majority Democrats need to do as they prepare to release their budget proposals.
Posted in Finance Comments closed
Labor leaders upset with state Democrats
Upset with what they see as an increasingly pro-business tilt to the Democratic Party in Washington state, labor leaders have formed a new organization to keep a tighter grip on who gets their campaign dollars.
'Tea party' protest draws thousands to Capitol
A raucous crowd of "tea party" tax protesters took over the state Capitol steps Wednesday, dangling tea bags from their eyeglass frames in an effort to send a message to the other Washington about the federal financial bailout.
The rally, which was one of many similar events throughout the state and nation Wednesday, drew an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people who chanted "stop spending my money!"
Also posted in Taxes Comments closed
Washington taxpayers can't bail out state lawmakers
Any tax increase big enough to fill the state of Washington’s projected deficit in 2009-2011 will be too big for the economy to bear. The solution is cuts in spending.
FOR the two years beginning July 1, state government forecasts an $8 billion deficit — a sum equal to one-quarter of the money spent in the [...]
Also posted in Budget Comments closed
Three or four tax referendum ideas floating in Legislature
The 0.3-cent sales tax increase to pay for health-care programs cut in the House-Senate budget agreed to Wednesday evening. Voters could weigh in Nov. 3. The still-to-be-identified tax increase to pay for a $1 billion to $3 billion public works program that modernizes public schools, universities and state buildings and gives them energy upgrades. Voters could weigh in Nov. 3. A 25-cent tax for enhanced 9-1-1 emergency services. Voters could weigh in Aug. 18 in an all-mail primary ballot.
Also posted in Environment, Healthcare, Taxes Comments closed
Business launches radio ads against sales tax hike; committee votes 8-7 to recommend tax measure for November ballot
House Bill 2377 was amended by the committee, but the thrust of the bill is to put a referendum on the fall ballot, asking voters to raise the state sales tax from 6.5 percent to 6.8 percent for three years -- Jan. 1, 2010 through Dec. 31, 2012. That would raise almost $1.1 billion. The money would be used to offset cuts to the state Basic Health Plan and other health programs.
New state budget includes job cuts, tuition increases
After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations and speculation, the state Senate on Monday proposed a two-year plan to bridge Washington’s $9 billion budget shortfall. As predicted, it includes some dramatic cuts.
Also posted in Budget, Economy, Education, Environment, Healthcare, Higher Education, Taxes, Unemployment Comments closed
Dems’ budget slashes education, social services, health care
Students, staff and faculty at Eastern Washington University walk through the Cheney campus Wednesday. In the background are Dressler, on the left, and Pearce residence halls. Budget writers on Wednesday agreed to increase college tuition.
Measure removes tuition cap
OLYMPIA – Washington students could pay more for a college diploma under a bill approved by the state [...]
Also posted in Budget, Education, Healthcare, Higher Education Comments closed
State plan to fund parks is deceptive — and wrong
The proposal would add a $5 'donation' for parks to all vehicle registrations unless the owner marks the 'opt-out' box.