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The legislative majority leadership have framed the current budget situation as a lack of revenue crisis. This "funding gap" naturally requires massive tax increases. But framing the current situation that way ignores the realities of the past several years.
The general fund operating budget (NGF-O) increased from $33.6 billion in the 2013-15 biennium to $71.9 billion in the 2023-25 biennium – an increase of 51% after adjusting for inflation and population. We've been collecting record revenue. Note also that despite that record breaking revenue stream, despite all the expressed concern for those burdened by our tax system, there was no cut to the state sales tax over that time. Actually, since 1982. There was always a higher need.
Now the spending has stretched beyond the revenue (which is still flowing in), and legislative proposals to raise taxes are dwarfing previous state record for largest tax increase by epic proportions. There are warning signs galore that these tax increases will harm our state's competitive position and could very well kill the kind of prosperity that brought Washington its years of revenue surpluses in the first place.
It doesn't have to be this way. Washington could re-examine its spending and avoid these heavy increases. To spur that conversation, WPC researchers have released "No Tax Challenge" videos -- short videos illustrating ways the state could save money. They're not not meant to be comprehensive, we're just trying to show people there are better ways. If you agree and like the videos, we hope you share them. You might even send them to your legislators...
