Washington State Economic Recovery Continues

Washington State FreedomWorks welcomed the news from the State Revenue Forecast Council that economic growth has outpaced projections for the sixth straight quarter. “This is an example of sound economic principles at work,” said Jamie Daniels, WA FreedomWorks Director. “In 2003, the legislature closed the budget deficit without increasing taxes and that strategy is paying off now. This projection should send a strong message to the Governor and the legislature that they need to stay the course and let our economy continue to recover.”

The state government is expected to receive $24.9 billion in revenues for the next biennium. This is an increase of over $1.7 billion from the current biennium. Despite this, new taxes are under serious consideration in the legislature. “The new figures make it obvious we do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. There is no need for higher taxes, there is a need to curtail spending, prioritize, and invest in programs that are accountable,” Daniels said.

WA FreedomWorks formed the League of Freedom Voters to successfully fight the Initiative 884 tax increase in the last election cycle. The voters rejected that tax increase by a 60-40% margin, defeating higher taxes in every county in the state.

The centerpiece of the campaign was the FreedomWorks message that higher taxes would hurt our struggling families and our economy. Strict government accountability measures and fiscal responsibility are needed before we ask the taxpayers for more of their hard earned money. Despite being outspent 70-1, that responsible government message overwhelmingly resounded with Washington voters. Our elected officials should heed this message before considering any new taxes.