Plus: Reykdal's misleading stats offer spending crisis denial, food prices rise but farmers don't benefit, and more.
Friend,
This is The Latest, your source for news impacting affordability, accountability and opportunity in the State of Washington.
Misinformation in "public investment disclosure statement" for state income tax repeal
The public investment disclosure statement does not inform voters but works as an electioneering tool against the repeal of the tax:
Claims that repealing the tax would cut schools, colleges, or healthcare are unsupported by the measure itself. The tax would not take effect until 2028, with the first payments arriving in 2029, and no current school district, college, or healthcare provider has an appropriation that depends on this revenue.
The income tax earmarks nothing for K-12 education, higher education, or healthcare. The only dedicated allocation in the measure is 5% to the Fair Start for Kids Account beginning in 2029. The remaining revenue goes into the state general fund with no restrictions, where future legislatures may spend it however they choose.
What is pushing Washington’s gas prices above $5 again? Two truths and one myth.
Gas prices are once again rising, and people are pointing fingers. Is it Washington's climate programs? Or is there no correlation between carbon and gas prices?
Cost-of-living increases are about more than fuel and housing: many people have seen an increase in their grocery bill, too. But even with this food price growth, farmers don't get to see the benefit.
What the state's own data says about Superintendent Reykdal's budget claims
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal argued on Facebook last week that Washington's budget problems are the result of the state's tax structure, not an oversized government. His evidence does not stand up to scrutiny.
FEATURED VIDEOS
Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma Want More Transit Taxes
Transit taxes are on the ballot for voters across the state. Do the projects listed warrant continued levies?
FEATURED EVENT
Washington Policy Center's Budget and Tax Director, Ryan Frost, will be hosting a series of free office hours in cities throughout Washington where he will share a brief presentation on the new income tax law and the implications of passing or repealing it via ballot initiative. There will be ample time for Q&A, so bring any questions you have. Sign up for our Everett, Tacoma, and Vancouver events!
ANNUAL DINNER TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
Tickets are now available to our biggest nights of the year! Join us in Spokane on September 11 and Bellevue on October 2 for nights of inspiration, education and hope.
We know Washington's future is in trouble. We want opportunity for our children and grandchildren. We want our families to grow and share and build experiences together here. But opportunity is shrinking. Iconic companies are freezing investments and expanding elsewhere. We need to stand together and demand a return to the policies that brought prosperity to our state. We cannot yield to an income tax that shrinks our future. Help get control of the reckless spending and seek better policy solutions for Washington. Add your voice to ours and donate and become a member of Washington Policy Center.
