Jason Mercier of the Washington Policy Center challenges the governor to follow his massive compensation increase for state government employees with tax relief for all Washingtonians
Jason Mercier
Washington Policy Center
The September revenue forecast continues to show $1.5 billion above expectations for 2021-23 since the February forecast. In other fiscal news, we learned today that the governor has agreed to a massive compensation increase for state government employees. With other states across the country continuing to provide tax relief to help with inflation costs, it is past time for state officials to prioritize broad-based tax relief for Washingtonians.
Earlier this week Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig talked about the prospects for broad-based tax relief with TVW (26:06 mark) and said it was on the table. Also, at AWB’s recent policy summit, Rep. Ed Orcutt said that he would push for property and sales tax relief in the 2023 legislative session.
With state government employee unions announcing today that their secret pay talks with the governor have resulted in the “largest compensation package” in history, I’m going to assume that based on the revenue forecast showing a $1.5 billion increase since February, the governor will also soon be announcing his support for tax relief for Washingtonians.
The 2021-23 revenue forecasts for Washington since last November were:
- Nov: $60.2 billion
- Feb: $61.7 billion
- June: $63.2 billion
- Sept: $63.2 billion
Broad-based tax relief provided: None.
Surely the governor wouldn’t have agreed to a huge pay increase for government employee union members unless he also planned to finally support broad-based tax relief as well.
As for the state government employee pay raises, OFM estimates the taxpayer cost information for those tentative agreements will be posted on its website on October 3.
Additional Information
The case for a Washington sales tax cut (video)
Jason Mercier is the director of the Center for Government Reform at the Washington Policy Center.
Also read:
- Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year.
