There are always a few items we’ve read during a week that deserve more attention but don’t make it into our regular posts. So we bundle them for the Friday roundup. Here’s this week’s bundle:
Kotkin: We Now Join the U.S. Class War Already in Progress
Class has risen to prominence as the prospects for middle and working class Americans have declined. Even amidst a recovery, most Americans remain pessimistic about their future prospects, and, even more seriously, doubt a bright future (PDF) for the next generation.
Cornfield: Bill on Boeing Tax Breaks Rejected
For the second straight year, an attempt to put more strings on the state’s generous tax breaks to the Boeing Co. has failed…In an email, Boeing spokeswoman Deborah Feldman said had the bill passed, the company “would have been hamstrung from competing to win in the market and to operate as a healthy business.”
Washington Research Council: How will the revenue and caseload forecasts affect the supplemental budget?
The net result of the forecasts, then, is that budget writers have about $16 million less to work with than they had expected.
Associated Press: House Democrats seek alterations of big business tax breaks
A group of House Democrats on Thursday announced measures that would eliminate, narrow or change tax breaks for big businesses in Washington such as the Boeing Co. and banks, saying the state’s tax system unfairly favors wealthy corporations.
Shopfloor: Manufacturing Production Rebounded in January from Declines in November and December
Manufacturing production rose 0.5 percent in January, rebounding from softness in the second half of 2015 and providing a little encouragement at the start of the new year. Manufacturing activity remains softer-than-desired, particularly given difficulties in growing export demand and with falling commodity prices.
Associated Press: Oregon lawmakers approve landmark minimum wage increase
Oregon lawmakers have approved landmark legislation that propels the state’s minimum wage for all workers to the highest rank in the U.S., and does so through an unparalleled tiered system based on geography.
