The last few years have been difficult for all due to the state of the economy. In spite of shrinking budgets and the uncertainty of the future, the staff in Institutional Library Services have lived up to their mission by continuing to serve their customers “with spirit and fortitude”. Over the next few weeks ILS will be sharing what they have been thankful for in the year 2011 and how they look forward to 2012. Please check out the upcoming posts from the library…
It’s entirely due to the recently approved $800 million tax package, but the new state revenue forecast is finally showing some positive numbers. The new report today from the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council shows revenue growth of $558 million during the next fiscal year and an additional $1.9 billion in following 2011-13 biennium. Arun Raha, the council director and the state’s chief economist, told the bipartisan panel of legislators and administration officials that the state and national recovery…
Governor Gregoire and the Legislature had to grapple with a $9 billion budget problem last year, and they’re not out of the woods yet. Recovery of the state economy is still elusive, and a new revenue forecast next week could show still more slippage before it gets better. For now, the placeholder number for the problem that awaits Olympia: $1.7 billion. That includes $1.2 billion from revenue falloff and from loss of a big tax lawsuit, and $533 million from…
Washington’s economy, pummeled by the nation’s worst recession in decades, is on the mend, slowly. But employers will continue to shed jobs throughout the year before they are able to start hiring again next year, and a fresh report from the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council shows tax collections are still lagging. The bottom line for Governor Gregoire and the Legislature: A daunting $1.2 billion budget gap – and maybe more – is staring them in the face this winter.
You might know a relative, friend or neighbor who lost a job or is having trouble making ends meet due to the tough economy. Chances are, that person is scrambling to figure out what to do next and how to stay on his or her feet financially. The State Library has a very helpful tool for Washingtonians who are struggling in today’s shaky economy. It’s called the Hard Times Resource Guide. This online guide has information and tips on finances…