http://www.researchcouncil.org daily 1 2007-01-03T05:04:39Z http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Citizens%20Guide%20Jan%202008%20Final.pdf No publisher ksjoblom 2008-02-01T00:21:16Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Seattle%20Tax%20Competitiveness%20Final%20%2812-10%29.pdf The increasing suburbanization of employment presents a fiscal challenge to the City of Seattle. The City gets more than one half of its general tax revenue from taxes paid by businesses, and its business tax rates are significantly higher than the rates levied by suburban jurisdictions. These higher tax rates provide a disincentive to locate jobs in the city. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-12-13T18:09:34Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Special%20Session.pdf Updated post session. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-12-20T22:37:18Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Seattle%20Trends%20Final%20%28ii%29.pdf Right now the city is enjoying a boom. If the past is any guide, a bust will surely follow. Restraint today, will reduce the need for more painful cuts when the economy turns. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-10-10T16:10:57Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Simple%20Majority.pdf In November, Washington voters will decide whether to approve or reject EHJR 4202, a constitutional amendment that would allow property tax levies for public school operations to pass by simple majority. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-10-08T15:47:56Z 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/Business%20Taxes%20Final.pdf Two reports came out this month that illuminate the unique tax structure faced by Washington businesses. These two reports are must reads for anyone interested in understanding how Washington’s tax system helps to shape the state’s business climate. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-03-09T20:56:11Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/Rainy%20Day%20Fund%20Final.pdf The senate recently forwarded to the house a proposed constitutional amendment to create a “rainy day fund." If approved by the house and by voters in November, the state would set aside 1 percent of general state revenues each year to be saved for use in the event of a recession. The fund would alleviate some of the strain put on government resources during a recession and help avoid tax increases. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-03-01T19:02:24Z 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/Prop%20Tax%20Legislation%202007.pdf The legislature is again considering measures to provide property tax relief to homeowners. Funding such relief by shifting the burden onto business would hurt the competitiveness of the state’s economy. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-12T20:31:01Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/ssuta_2007.pdf The Legislature is considering a bill to make the state’s sales tax fully conform to the Streamlined Sale and Use Tax Agreement. Simplification and harmonization of state sales and use tax systems is good policy as it reduces compliance costs for businesses, particularly for multi-state businesses. No publisher patricks 2007-02-02T04:45:28Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/i920_brief_final.pdf I-920 would repeal Washington's estate tax. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-02T07:00:15Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/pb_200509_v2.pdf Initiative 912 would repeal the phased, 9.5 cent tax increase recently enacted by the legislature. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-03T20:36:55Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/pb0505_final.pdf Washington's REET is among the nation's highest taxes on the transfer of real estate. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-03T20:45:37Z Publication http://www.researchcouncil.org/publications_container/pb_0504_final.pdf Under a pay or play scheme, those businesses that did not provide employees a rich plate of health care benefits would be taxed to support the state’s basic health plan. The result would be a substantial payroll tax on some state businesses, raising their costs and hurting the overall competitiveness of the state’s economy. No publisher ksjoblom 2007-02-03T20:51:04Z Publication