Download the full Policy Note here.             See the full policy guide here.

This 6th edition of the Policy Guide for Washington State has been revised, updated and released. It contains the latest research to provide elected officials and the general public with sound ideas that benefit all people living in in our state. Here is a quick overview of each chapter.

Policy ideas based on solid data and which enhance freedom and opportunity allow individuals, families and communities to make decisions for themselves without interfering with the rights of others, while providing safety-net services for those most in need.

Chapter 1 provides ways to control the growth in public spending so it meets the legitimate needs of government, rather than simply spending the maximum elected officials can get in taxes.  Each year state spending increases faster than the natural rise in inflation and population, showing that officials routinely take more money from working families and business owners than they really need.

Chapter 2 recommends that lawmakers provide the people with tax relief.  By lightening the financial burden they impose, elected leaders can show they understand the concerns of working families.  Tax relief increases take-home pay for everyone and shows respect for the dignity of workers.  In particular, reducing broad-based taxation like sales and property rates allows most of the benefit to go to low-income households.

Chapter 3 shows how new technology and individual action can do more to protect the environment than aggressive top-down programs.  Harsh environmental rules impose huge costs on communities and business owners but often do little to solve real-world problems.  This Policy Guide shows how people responding to voluntary incentives in their daily lives can do more for the planet than massive government programs.

Download the full policy note to continue reading.