Budget writers keep eye on Europe

If you see your lawmakers monitoring news in Europe, chances are it's not for vacation planning but instead state budget planning. According to the state's economist Dr. Arun Raha, economic turmoil in Europe could play a huge role in our state budget debate. From today's state revenue forecast . . . READ MORE

An Open Letter to Governor Gregoire detailing Small Business Recommendations

While the focus of lawmakers during the upcoming special session will be on the budget, one of our best opportunities to combat the economic recession lies with Washington's small businesses. In light of this, Washington Policy Center sent Governor Gregoire a letter outlining small business owners’ top policy recommendations selected at our Small Business Conference in September. We hope that these recommendations from the business community can guide lawmakers as they seek to balance the budget and reinvigorate Washington’s economy . . . READ MORE

State's liquor monopoly repealed

It may have taken nearly 80 years but Washington's liquor monopoly has finally been repealed by voters. By a somewhat surprising margin, voters across the state are approving I-1183 60-40%. Ending the state's liquor monopoly has been a long time goal of the Washington Policy Center. It is exciting to see voters embrace the idea of focusing government efforts on strict enforcement of the public health, safety and drinking-age laws related to liquor sales, while leaving the business of distributing, pricing and selling liquor products to the competitive marketplace. Washingtonians are also approving SJR 8206 to enhance the state's rainy-day savings account. The measure is passing by a margin of 67-33% . . . READ MORE

Happy Election Week

As voters across America head to the polls today, Washingtonians instead will be busy getting their ballots postmarked for the state's vote by mail election. While some results will trickle in tonight, it is likely that several races won't be finalized until later this week (or month) as ballots dropped in the mail this evening make their way through the postal system. Unlike our neighbors to the south in Oregon, who also vote exclusively by mail, our ballots aren't due today but instead need only be postmarked. In the vast majority of states mail-in ballots must either be received by Election Day or must be dropped off before the polls close. Washington, however, only requires that a ballot be postmarked by Election Day. This policy unnecessarily complicates the tabulation of votes and can leave the results of close races a mystery for weeks . . . READ MORE

TVW takes a look at budget options

This week's edition of Inside Olympia takes a look at the state's budget outlook. Here is the teaser: "How to bridge the state's $2-billion budget gap? Are new taxes an option? What should state lawmakers do to create jobs and boost the economy? Host Austin Jenkins hears from business and labor, plus liberal and conservative think tanks."Interviewed for the show were Jeff Johnson (Washington State Labor Council), Don Brunell (Association of Washington Business), Remy Trupin (Washington State Budget and Policy Center), and myself . . . READ MORE