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New report on Seattle’s minimum wage a snapshot that tells us little. A hot economy and tight jobs market hard to replicate.
June 22, 2017Economists at the University of California, Berkeley, have published a new report on Seattle's minimum wage. The study attempts to draw conclusions from a partially-implemented wage hike in one of the…Read more
Metro Seattle boasts record low unemployment, as rural communities lag in recovery
June 21, 2017Washington counties continue to experience significant differences in economic vitality as measured by unemployment rates. The May monthly employment report released by the state Employment Security D…Read more
State Treasurer: State’s reputation and credit rating put at risk by budget stalemate
June 21, 2017State Treasurer Duane A. Davidson warns state lawmakers that the ongoing budget showdown has consequences. In a Seattle Times op-ed Davidson writes, Unfortunately, our state’s reputation and credit ra…Read more
The News Tribune endorses math and English graduation requirement; Everett Herald reports possible compromise
June 20, 2017The News Tribune editorial board in a June 17 editorial we'd overlooked makes a compelling case for retaining the English and math graduation requirements. We've written about this issue before, inclu…Read more
June revenue forecast up very slightly from March projections; adds $170 million to anticipated revenues
June 20, 2017The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council met today to deliver the last official forecast of the fiscal year. The news was about what most expected following the economic review meeting earlier this m…Read more
As budget deadline approaches, state prepares for avoidable partial shutdown. Editorials express frustration with process.
June 19, 2017In today's newsletter, we write about the inevitability of a third special session to wrap up work on the state budget. While negotiators say they're making progress, that progress is thus far occurri…Read more
