Washington Community Action Network

In 1999, Washington taxpayers spent at least 1.5 billion on public subsidies for businesses. Subsidy programs are intended to sustain communities, provide greater access to economic opportunity, and create stable, family-wage jobs. Unfortunately, there is little supervision over the use and distribution of these funds in Washington, particularly to ensure that these economic development dollars are supporting living wage jobs that improve communities.

Because public subsidies to businesses represent a significant expenditure of taxpayer funds - the $1.5 billion spent on subsidies in 1999 would have paid the salaries of more than 40,000 teachers - it is critical that these programs are systematically evaluated to ensure their effectiveness. Taxpayers want fiscal responsibility from their government.

Washington’s taxpayers have every right to expect that public funds spent subsidizing businesses have tangible benefits to their communities. Washington CAN! supports Public Subsidy Disclosure legislation that would:

• Require annual reporting by businesses that receive certain public subsidies and incentives;
• Provide annual information about amount, type and purpose of subsidies received per businesses;
• Disclose the location of the business prior to receiving the subsidy and the name and address of parent corporation.
• Encourage accountability and return on investment for Washington taxpayers.

Fighting For Living Wages And Affordable Housing In Seattle

S.A.G.E. The Seattle Alliance for Good Jobs and Housing for Everyone.
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Corporate Subsidy Disclosure

Making sure our economic development dollars are hard at work.