http://www.researchcouncil.org Publications dealing with the state budget daily 1 2007-04-05T17:44:41Z http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/govs_budget_final_ii.pdf With $1.2 Billion Structural Deficit No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-02T04:23:26Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/House%20and%20Senate%20Budgets.pdf Both the house and the senate have passed 2007-09 budgets that spend more than $33.3 billion. Both budgets spend $1.3 billion more than expected revenue and make spending commitments that are not sustainable beyond the 2007–09 biennium In addition, both budgets leave too little in reserve for this point in the revenue cycle. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-04-18T00:08:24Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Gain-sharing%202007.pdf The gain-sharing program was intended to be a cost-free way to enhance retirement benefits for state employees. But the economists’ truism "there is no free lunch" has never been more true. The state pension system cannot afford this program. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-23T20:34:31Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Connector.pdf This policy brief reviews the original intent of "the connector"--a state-chartered health insurance marketplace--discusses the primary areas of concern with the concept, summarizes the proposal currently under review here in Washington, and describes the main problem that should be addressed before committing our state to this kind of sweeping policy change No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-26T19:30:12Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Rainy%20Day%20in%20November.pdf In November, Washington voters will decide whether to approve or reject SJR 8206, a constitutional amendment that would establish a "rainy day fund." No publisher ksjoblom 2007-10-08T15:52:06Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Feb%20Forecast.pdf No publisher ksjoblom 2008-02-20T01:14:36Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/I%20960%20Final.pdf This brief was updated on 9/25/07. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-09-25T18:38:02Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/postemployment_benefits_accounting_change_april_5_2006.pdf The financial statements of Washington’s state and local governments do not fully reflect the cost of providing health care and certain other retirement benefits to its employees. This will change over the next several years as new financial reporting standards phase in. The value of the omitted costs is largely unknown but potentially quite big. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-03T03:50:11Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Building%20Us%20Up%20for%20a%20Fall%20-%20Final.pdf Construction earnings as a share of Personal Income is at a 25-year high in Washington State. A reduction in the share back to normal levels would restrain the growth in state tax revenues, even if the overall economy were to remain strong. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-03-01T19:04:53Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/housebudget.pdf The House Appropriations cochairs unveiled their 2001-2003 budget plan yesterday. The House Budget comes closer than budgets proposed by the governor and the Senate to meeting the test of sustainability keeping spending at a level that can be maintained in the next budget cycle within existing revenues. No publisher carolynn 2007-03-29T22:37:22Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/I775.pdf A new bureaucracy, expanded collective bargaining, and reduced legislative budget control would be delivered with passage of Initiative 775, a measure focusing on inhome care services. No publisher carolynn 2007-03-29T22:43:59Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/I%20773.pdf Initiative 773 would raise Washington state cigarette taxes to $1.425 per pack, the highest in the nation. No publisher carolynn 2007-03-29T22:53:23Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/marchforecast.pdf The March forecast reduces the funds available for the 2001-2003 biennium and shows an increased risk of recession. The legislature should be cautious in writing a budget for the upcoming biennium. No publisher carolynn 2007-03-29T23:04:00Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Revenue%20Down.pdf The revenue forecast announced Tuesday morning was immediately made out-ofdate by the Boeing Company’s layoff announcement. No publisher carolynn 2007-03-29T23:18:25Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/senatetransportationbudget.pdf The Senate transportation budget demonstrates the inadequacy of current transportation revenues. Although adopted overwhelmingly, the budget simply sets the stage for discussion of tax and fee increases to support a long-term solution later in the session. No publisher carolynn 2007-03-29T23:21:44Z Publication