EOI Updates Victory! Major investments in compensation and health coverage for essential child care workers April 28, 2021 / October 26, 2026 by John Burbank Great news! Washington’s legislature passed a budget that makes major investments for child care workers in their compensation and health care – thanks to our mutual efforts working together for the health, economic security, and respect of child care workers. Increased compensation: The state budget passed by the Legislature includes $360 million for child care […] Read more »
EOI Updates The wealth tax moves forward! April 1, 2021 / October 26, 2026 by John Burbank Something big happened on Wednesday! The House Finance Committee of Washington’s State Legislature, led by Chairwoman Noel Frame, approved a Wealth Tax on the extraordinary investment holdings of billionaires. This is a major step toward a more fair state tax system, capable of supporting the services we all need to thrive together. Washington is one […] Read more »
EOI Updates The will of the people prevails November 6, 2020 / October 9, 2026 by John Burbank The President-Elect and Vice President–Elect promise to restore civility and hope to the federal government. However, we should not expect miracles, especially with the likelihood of divided federal decision-making, between the President, the Senate, and the House, not to mention the Supreme Court. The political climate and the results of this week’s historic election underscore […] Read more »
EOI Updates New beginnings at EOI September 20, 2020 / October 9, 2026 by John Burbank When I founded the Economic Opportunity Institute in 1998, I had a vision of a brighter future for our state – one of shared prosperity, economic security, and a good quality of life for every Washingtonian. We’ve made substantial progress towards that vision in the past 23 years, from implementing the country’s most progressive state […] Read more »
EOI Updates Remembering my friend bill Gates sr. September 18, 2020 / October 9, 2026 by John Burbank This week we lost a humble public citizen, Bill Gates Sr. Bill understood his responsibility to use his power for the benefit of the greater good, to work for a state and a world in which all people have a good quality of life. A child of the great depression, a graduate of Bremerton High […] Read more »
EOI Updates State Supreme Court declines to review Seattle income tax April 6, 2020 / October 26, 2026 by John Burbank On Friday, the Washington Supreme Court decided to not review the ruling of the Court of Appeals on Seattle’s income tax on the affluent. This means that Seattle can create an income tax, but it can’t be progressive — and the archaic legal equation that income is property remains in force in our state. “Seattle […] Read more »
EOI Updates Getting Washington through COVID-19 requires big changes March 20, 2020 / October 26, 2026 by John Burbank When your friend is sick, running a temperature of 103, coughing, sweating, and vomiting, do you leave her $200 and think that will is enough for her get better? No, that wouldn’t be enough. Neither is the federal government’s plan to send out $1,200 checks. To get better, your friend needs tender-loving care, health consultations, […] Read more »
EOI Updates Everyday heroes in the COVID-19 pandemic March 17, 2020 / October 30, 2026 by John Burbank As the novel coronavirus spreads throughout our community, we are pulling together to help each other out and protect our society. Read more »
EOI Updates State government must do more to protect our economy from the virus March 9, 2020 / October 26, 2026 by John Burbank In the current and accelerating health and economic crisis, state and local policy makers need the tools to activate resources to protect Washington residents. This is particularly important as public health needs are escalating while public revenues are dropping. We understand that the Legislature will adjourn soon, so this may be something that our leaders must […] Read more »
EOI Updates The false promise of tech companies funding higher education January 24, 2020 / October 26, 2026 by John Burbank Just last year, Microsoft and Amazon were heralded for agreeing with the Legislature to increase their taxes to fund free tuition for college students. That narrative has proven false in just a few months. It is false because the tuition-free grant only extends to students in families with income less than 55 percent of the […] Read more »
