Revenues Rise as Economy Muddles

Washington revenues have risen more than 10% from a year earlier and tax collections grew $5.1 million, or 0.6%, according to the state’s most recent economic and revenue forecast.

“Washington State’s economy continues to muddle along despite considerable headwinds from high energy prices and uncertainty. Manufacturing and private services employment is growing, as is personal income,” the state’s economic and revenue forecast council said in a report released Monday. “State and local government employment, however, continues to shrink.”

Chief economist Arun Raha said the state’s economic recovery is moving “slowly and hesitantly,” with volatile oil prices, Japanese imports, and other national and international issues causing concern.

Washington’s unemployment rate edged down to 9.1% in February from 9.2% a month earlier.

Lawmakers are wrangling over how to close a budget gap of more than $5 billion. The budget is due by April 24.

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