Transforming Washington's Budget Economic Development

Create a true tax increment financing mechanism so that local governments can create jobs and tax revenue in their communities.

The state budget has many categories and since I don't know the full picture, I cant say how much to cut and where.

1st End the furloghs (Temporary layoffs) people making less money, have less money to spends. 2nd Give a raise to non-managment, non-union workers which will boost the economy 3rd Regardless of the size of your home, reducing enerygy should qualify for PUD discounts/rebates without having to buy systems that are much bigger then needed for smaller houses 4th I hate to say it, but collect sales tax for on-lines, if... more »

There are too many ways to list. I see the system abused on so many levels. Watching people pay for their booze & smokes with cash and food with food stamps is a very typical scene.

ADHERE to the limit of time to receive $$ from welfare, but provide experience or shared workers so they can get expereince and give back to the communtiy

As simple as it sounds, reduce spending, eliminate non-essential projects, even if the money has been slated.  For instance the 15m being spent on Juanita park. Great idea, wrong time. Or millions being spent on bus stop on I-5 when a park and ride is within 1 mile.  We are on a budget. Our government, State and Federal, should follow suit. 

furloghs were a great idea. i dont like losing money, but it is better than being laid off and the state having to foot the bill and people losing every asset they have worked for becaues unemployment is not enough and i think longer voluntary furloughs, that dont affect benefits or retirement should be available for people who want and can afford to take time off in leiu of layoffs, more layoffs, especially in Economic... more »

people on unemployment compensations should be able to earn at least 80% of what their last job was w/o losing any benefits, it keeps them from loosing assets that will help them maintain self sufficientcy. for instance if i was on unemployment, the max i could get would be 1/2 what i earn now, if i get laid off but can find a minimum wage job to suplant what i get on unemployment, i will be able to make some headway... more »

people on unemployment compensations should be able to earn at least 80% of what their last job was w/o losing any benefits, it keeps them from loosing assets that will help them maintain self sufficientcy. for instance if i was on unemployment, the max i could get would be 1/2 what i earn now, if i get laid off but can find a minimum wage job to suplant what i get on unemployment, i will be able to make some headway... more »

Allow slot machines state wide. not just on the reservations.eliminate the B& O tax to encourage business. bring the sales tax back to 3% as was promised when established. bring the lottery back to its original form [ general fund to be used only for 1. funding for schools 2.relieve gas tax, 3. road repair.] eliminate property tax for people who own and pay off their homes but establish property tax for apartment dwellers.... more »

Remove the requirement for front license plates for vehicles. Nearly half the states do not require them. The state can save the costs of making the plates and the enforcement required.

I suggest you consider implementing a "buy out" program for older wokers considering retirement. In conjunction with the retirement, the retiree's state agency should conduct an assessment of the vacated position and determine if the position should be maintained, eliminated, or modified.

Repeal all of the tax breaks that cost taxpayers money. The WA Dept. of Revenue says 302 tax breaks collectively cost the state $15 billion dollars in 2007-2009! Put half of that money into education, transportation and health care -- and use the other half to lower sales tax and business taxes for everyone. Then make sure any new tax break has a 5-year sunset clause with strict performance requirements: no new jobs... more »

Sell off the ferry system to private company

Legalize gambling, regulate it, and TAX it.