PRESS RELEASE

July 9, 2004

Caesar takes his, and then some
July 12: Washington Cost of Government Day

OLYMPIA – The people of Washington state have rendered unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, but it took until July 12th. Now they are finally working for themselves.

Monday, July 12, five days later than the national average, is Cost of Government Day (COGD) in this state. Calculated by the D.C.-based Americans for Tax Reform Foundation, Cost of Government Day is the day the average citizen has earned enough gross income to pay his or her total share of spending and regulatory burdens imposed by government at all levels—federal, state and local.

The average taxpayer in Washington will work 193.5 days to pay for government—the 6th longest period of any state in the union. By comparison, the national average this year was 188.4 days (July 7), with Alaskans working the fewest number of days (168) and Connecticut taxpayers working the most (210+).

Compared to other states, Washington has not improved over last year's ranking, where it came in tied with New Jersey at 45th, with an average total of 201.9 days worked to pay for government.

However, in 2003, the national average Cost of Government Day fell on July 11th, while Washington's COGD was on July 20th or 9 days later. This year's five day difference marks a very slight improvement, but the trend toward closing that gap is a positive step.

According to the report, federal spending continues to be the largest component of the total cost of government, and represents 80 percent of the increase cost of government since 2000. The report points out the alarming fact that in just the past three years, federal spending increased 3 times more than it had in the previous eight years combined.

Average state spending has declined for the third straight year. This is deceptive though, as states have continued to spend, simply turning to the federal government for funds instead of directly to their taxpayers.

The cost of regulation also declined for the first time after spikes in 2000 and 2001. The report states the average American will work 59.6 days to pay the costs of government regulation, down nearly 1.5 days from last year.

"There is still more work to do. We shouldn't have to work half the year for a government that, at all levels, has grown too large, too burdensome and too expensive," said Bob Williams, president of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. "While the overall burden may shift back and forth between state capitols and Washington, D.C., the taxpayer is still carrying the same heavy load. If the child tax credit, the minimum tax rate, and the marriage penalty relief are made permanent, and regulations and spending are finally addressed, we could see better days ahead."

Americans for Tax Reform Foundation's 2004 Cost of Government Day Report

Contact: Booker Stallworth | Communications Director | 360.956.3482

Evergreen Freedom Foundation P.O. Box 552, Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 956-3482, Fax: (360) 352-1874 Email: effwa@effwa.org