Politics
Would a new tax break win Boeing's 737 successor for Washington?
The governor has talked in terms of "minimal" benefits that might bring big returns. Perhaps there are other attractions here for Boeing.
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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Politics
Why the state keeps giving out foolish tax breaks
Job growth is lagging, but we keep giving out tax incentives to encourage the hiring of workers, regardless of whether the measures actually work or not. One culprit: the silo effect.
Politics
Washington state's tax-break brawlers can take the fight outside
After the legislature's grueling session of damaging budget cuts, the courts may be the place to continue the fight to end tax giveaways to businesses.
Politics
Short-term cuts pose long-term threats to state higher education
The presidents of the state's universities are united in stressing the need for adequate higher education funding, a key to the state's future. But they seem to want to ignore the state's revenue problem.
Politics
Online sales growth is worsening state budget trouble
Washington (home of Amazon) has held back from growing national efforts to make online retailers pay sales taxes, but the recent revenue forecast emphasized the increasing problem posed by lost taxes on purchases from online outlets elsewhere.