Open Government
WPC's Center for Government Reform's mission is to partner with stakeholders and citizens to work toward a government focused on its core functions while improving its transparency, accountability, performance, and effectiveness for taxpayers.
Publications
Comparison of Destination-based Sales Tax versus Origin-based Sales Tax
Key Findings
Can Lawmakers Make State Spending Sustainable? Comparing the House- and Senate-Passed Budgets
Key Findings
Legislature Needs to Put 'Public' Back into Public Hearings
The Seattle Times published this column on February 26, 2012.
Do lawmakers in Olympia really want to hear from citizens on the bills they are considering, or are they more interested in catering to the needs of lobbyists and special interests?
WPC’s Recommendations on the State’s 2012 Transportation Tax Package, Part II
This is part two of a five-part series of Legislative Memos that Washington Policy Center offers for lawmakers to consider before preparing a statewide transportation tax increase in 2012. The five recommendations are:
WPC’s Recommendations on the State’s 2012 Transportation Tax Package, Part I
This is part one of a five-part series of Legislative Memos that Washington Policy Center offers for lawmakers to consider before preparing a statewide transportation tax increase in 2012. The five recommendations are:
History of Washington State Tax Ballot Measures Since 1932
Introduction
Governor Gregoire and some Democratic legislators say they do not believe the state’s 2011–13 budget can be balanced without imposing tax increases. Realizing the required two-thirds vote does not exist in the Legislature to raise taxes, some lawmakers say they will withhold their vote for a budget unless a tax increase ballot measure is sent to voters for consideration. Complicating this strategy are two factors — the 2012 election calendar and the likelihood Washington voters would once again reject a tax increase.
Creating the Safety Net Assessment to Fund Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
Washington state is currently facing a budget shortfall of billions of dollars. In spite of holding a special session this past fall, lawmakers failed to solve the budget deficit. Many social services are facing either significant funding cuts or no appreciable increase in state-paid reimbursement levels.
The Economic Impact of an Enterprise Value Tax
Note: Congress is considering imposing an Enterprise Value Tax that would have a lasting and harmful impact on Washington’s business climate. This Policy Note is adapted from a study written by economist J. Scott Moody of The Maine Heritage Policy Center and shows how this tax would affect business partnerships and private-sector investment. The full study analyzes how the Enterprise Value Tax would impact one state, Maine, and is available at www.mainepolicy.org.
More Money Isn't the Answer for Schools
Key reforms, including giving principals more control, will improve education
The Daily Herald in Everett posted this column October 22, 2011
State Gives Away Gas Taxes to Indian Tribes
Washington state Indian tribes use governor's gas tax deal to undercut competition.
Introduction