The state’s economists are cautious about the June tax collection report released this morning. But given the tightly balanced state budget, any collections report that is up is good news.
The state’s economists are cautious about the June tax collection report released this morning. But given the tightly balanced state budget, any collections report that is up is good news.
Today’s report shows that actual collections are up $66.5 million higher than expected based on the forecast. That’s 5.5 percent higher than the forecast). Of that, $45 million is so-called Revenue Act which contain the state’s largest taxes.
As lawmakers work overtime in Olympia to finalize a new two-year spending plan, some want to begin budget negotiations earlier in the future to help prevent special sessions like this one.
Neither House Democrats nor Senate Republicans are expecting a windfall from two key reports due out Tuesday, but the news could be positive enough to help resolve the differences that are holding up a budget deal.
The final piece in the state budget puzzle falls into place today when the state economist, Steve Lerch, releases his revenue forecast. Most observers expect a reduction from the quarterly estimate made in November.
A year ago, you couldn’t buy liquor at grocery stores in Washington. Now you can, but you probably pay more for it.
For many Pierce County residents, another year of sliding home values caused property tax bills to decline this year.
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