Politics
Nine ways to fix Washington's tax mess
How to eliminate unneeded tax breaks, improve the efficiency of those that boost our economy and save Washington state some serious money.
Dick Nelson
Dick Nelson is a former Washington State legislator. He currently contributes to the public debate on state and local fiscal issues through research and commentary. As when he was in the legislature,
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Equity
Olympia: Breaking up with a tax favor is so hard to do
The state has a system to review whether tax breaks for businesses still make sense. But politicians remain reluctant to end existing loopholes.
Olympia: So many bills, so little tax reform
Despite a flurry of bills proposing tax cut adjustments last year and plenty of citizen support to back them up, legislators are slow-walking tax reform.
Politics
What's driving up the cost of our public schools
A state task force is trying to find ways to finance court-ordered improvements to education. Here's a look at the many factors running up the size of the bill that must be paid.
Politics
A task force may out-do Inslee, McKenna on education money
Our governor candidates want to believe growth will provide enough money to fix schools. The Legislature has set up a group that looks capable of delivering a smarter answer.