Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is the Benchmarks for a Better Washington campaign?
Benchmarks for a Better Washington tracks the state's economic vitality across key categories. These benchmarks utilize clear, independent, state-by-state data that speak to the heart of what constitutes a world-class state —providing quality education, creating a climate of innovation that attracts investment and encourages job growth, and building a transportation infrastructure that is safe, reliable and efficient.
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Why are you launching this effort now?
In the wake of the Great Recession, it is clear that Washington needs a long-term plan to foster great quality of life and a competitive business environment that encourages job creation. The state must position itself to compete on value and on cost. In our view, that means being among the top 10 states in the nation on key quality-of-life and innovation metrics. It also means doing a better job competing on key business cost measures.
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What are the specific benchmarks?
The Benchmarks the Washington Roundtable will track are:
- Private-sector job growth
- Number of patents issued for invention
- High-school graduation rates
- Student achievement in math and science
- Bachelor's degrees awarded per capita
- Functional bridges
- Road conditions
- Average commute travel times
- Business tax burden
- Unemployment insurance taxes
- Workers' compensation benefits paid
- Industrial and commercial electricity rates
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How were the benchmarks selected?
The benchmarks were selected based on two criteria:
- Each must speak to the idea that Washington must compete on value and on cost.
- Each has to be measurable via a recognized, reliable, independent source that includes comparative data for all 50 states.
The number of benchmarks was intentionally limited to focus on those areas that the Roundtable deems most important for ensuring Washington is a better place to live, work, learn, invest and raise a family.
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How is the Washington Roundtable working to achieve these goals?
Washington must engage a balanced and comprehensive strategy, including a commitment to pursue necessary policy changes and measure progress against clear, accountable benchmarks. The Washington Roundtable is committed to developing and executing such a strategy; working with elected officials, civic and business leaders, and concerned citizens from across the state to ensure Washington emerges from the recession a state of expanded opportunity — a great place to live, invest, work, receive an education, and embrace the future with optimism.
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Are these benchmarks intended to help influence the focus of the state legislature each session?
Yes. We hope lawmakers will use these benchmarks as a framework for policy development that will make Washington a better place to live, work, learn, invest and raise a family.
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How can the public get involved with the campaign?
You can track the benchmarking effort on Facebook or Twitter (@waroundtable). Use the data when communicating with your lawmakers, let them know that these benchmarks are important and that you support the policy changes necessary to maintain and improve Washington's position in each category.
