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
Concerning Legislation Authorizing State Agencies to Purchase Prescription Drugs from Canada
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, February, 2004Legislation, HB 2469, is now being considered in the legislature which would authorize state agencies to purchase prescription drugs from Canada. As an aid to legislators in making an informed decision, some of the potential problems with the state adopting such a policy are briefly outlined below.
The Legislature is in Session, and a New Website is Helping Citizens Keep an Eye On It
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, January, 2004"It is a time when men work silently in the fields and women weep quietly in the kitchen, for Congress is in session and no man's property is safe." This semi-humorous quote attributed to Will Rogers applies equally to our state legislature. Lawmakers convened in Olympia on January 12th to begin a planned 60-day session, though it might be extended if legislators feel they need more time to complete their work.
After the Blanket Primary: Reforming Washington's Primary Election System
Richard Derham, Research Fellow
, November, 2003Vibrant political parties, formed by citizens who band together to advocate their philosophies, are the essential foundation of our democracy.
Citizen-activists "have a First Amendment right to further their party's program for what they see as good governance," the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declared when it recently stuck down Washington's blanket primary. That system, the court said, violated citizens' constitutional rights because it prevented a political party from picking its own nominees and framing the message it presents to voters.
Small Business Owners Speak Out on How to Improve the Business Climate
Eric Montague, Policy Analyst
, October, 2003Small business owners have spoken, and their message is clear. It is time for policymakers to take action to improve the state's business climate. Across Washington, business owners are wondering why our economy is stagnating while the rest of the country seems to be moving toward economic recovery. One answer came in the form of the 2003 Statewide Small Business Conference, where business owners identified the best solutions for improving Washington's business climate.
Initiative 747 Slows the Yearly Rise in the Property Tax
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, September, 2003Taxes, especially property taxes, are too high in Washington state. That is the message voters send every time an initiative to reduce taxes or limit their rate of growth appears on the ballot. In just the last few years voters have approved three popular measures to ease the rise in the property tax burden government places on its citizens. The latest one, Initiative 747, passed by 58% in 2001. Yet many people wonder whether all this tax-limiting hoopla really makes any difference. After all, people in Seattle voted against building a new tax-subsidized sports stadium...and ended up with two.
Property Tax Increases in Washington's Major Cities
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, August, 2003In recent years Washington voters have approved three popular measures to ease the growth of the property tax burden that government places on citizens.
Property Tax Increases in Washington's Counties
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, August, 2003In 2001 the people of Washington passed Initiative 747, a measure designed to limit the yearly rate of increase in the property tax burden citizens must bear.
Property Tax Limitation in Washington State
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, August, 2003In recent years Washington voters have approved three popular measures to ease the growth of the property tax burden government places on citizens. Each measure set progressively more stringent limitations on how much state and local elected officials could increase the basic property tax each year. The relatively easy passage of these measures indicates public support for limiting property taxes increases has remained stable over time.
Restoring Trust in Government Through Competitive Sourcing
Eric Montague, Policy Analyst
, July, 2003Steadily increasing government costs coupled with a slow economy have left Washington and many other states with growing deficits. For many, the cost of the services they want to provide is much more than the tax revenue available to fund those services. As a result, state policymakers are looking for ways to improve service while simultaneously reducing cost.
Congress Should Take Proposed Medicare Drug Program Back to the Drawing Board
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, June, 2003If you hire a contractor to work on your home, and the final bill ends up seven times the original estimate, you would probably be pretty upset. You might even refuse to pay. That is exactly the position American taxpayers may be in if Congress adds an expensive new Medicare entitlement to subsidize the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. The difference is that for taxpayers, refusing to pay won't be an option.