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What's New
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In the news
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Events
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WPC Speaking Engagements
What taxes we pay: People's database
The Legislature and the governor recently moved the state into a new era of budget transparency with a law creating a searchable Web site detailing state spending. The state should advance its impressive digital empowerment of the public by giving everyone access to the same type of information about his or her state and local taxes.
The Washington Policy Center last week unveiled a proposal to create "a tax transparency Web site" allowing individuals and businesses to figure out just how much they are paying in all local and state taxes. The site would have information not just about state and city tax rates, for example, but also the entire range of rates from other taxing districts, such as school, county, library, fire, transit and other entities. There also would be a calculator allowing individuals to figure their own total state and local tax burdens. Read the full editorial here>>
Read the Tax Disclosure Act text>>
Policy Guide for Washington State, 3rd Edition, Now Available!
In 2005 Washington Policy Center wanted to do something that had never been done before: create a comprehensive guide with specific, research-backed recommendations and solutions to the policy challenges facing our state. Two popular editions later, this week we are releasing the 3rd edition of the Policy Guide for Washington State.
The book is edited by Paul Guppy, our vice president for research, and each chapter is authored by one of our six research center directors. With more than 300 pages and 150 recommendations for making Washington a better place to live and do business, our updated Policy Guide is a great resource for lawmakers, media, and citizens concerned about issues such as the growth in state spending, health care reform, transportation, protecting the environment, and others. Visit washingtonpolicygiude.org to learn more.
WPC is sending the Policy Guide for Washington State to all legislators and candidates this week. The book is available free to WPC supporters or you can purchase one for $15 (+ $5 shipping), Join WPC today and receive a free copy!
Center for the Environment
Annual Luncheon
On July 15th, WPC was pleased to have acclaimed author as our keynote speaker. Mr. Lomborg’s best sellers include Cool It and The Skeptical Environmentalist. He was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2004 and one of the "50 people who could save the planet" by the UK Guardian in 2008. The Daily Telegraph called The Skeptical Environmentalist "... probably the most important book on the environment ever written." In 2004 he started the Copenhagen Consensus Center, a conference of Nobel prize winning economists who come together to prioritize the best solutions for the world's greatest challenges.
More info, audio and video from the conference>>
UW paying $175 an hour to lobby for stadium subsidy
Tri City Herald, September 5
Taxpayers need changes to constitution for protection
Bellingham Herald, September 4
UW has longer contract to lobby for Husky stadium funds
The News Tribune (Tacoma), September 4
UW putting its money where its money is...
Spokesman Review (Spokane), September 4
Eyman measure could jeopardize red-light camera plan
The Daily News (Longview), September 3
Klaus to travel to US in October
Prague Daily Monitor (Czech Republic), September 2
Salary Negotiations Continue for State Employees ... and Bellevue Teachers
Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy, September 2
Massachusetts Considers New Restrictions on Pharmaceutical Firm Gifts to Doctors
Health Care News, September issue
Featuring 2008 Columbia Award Recipient
Vaclav Klaus,
President of the Czech Republic
Honoring 2008 Stanley O. McNaughton Champion of Freedom Award
Recipient
Phil Smart, Sr.
And commenting on the 2008 election, the Executive Editor of The Weekly Standard and FOX News Commentator
7:30 AM
Dann Mead Smith will speak about our Policy Guide for WA State book and will answer questions on election issues like Sound Transit and I-985.
Todd Myers, Director of the Center for the Environment, will speak to the Conservative Enthusiasts.
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Roger Stark will be part of a panel discussing Health Care Reform Proposals for the 2009 Legislative Session
