Influences on Social and Human Services

Values of the profession Respect integrity of the client. Right to self-determination Recognize and build on client strengths Awareness of laws, advocate for change Understand the complex interaction between individuals, families, community Etc.

Belief systems/philosophies Institutional view or Residual view Irritation response theory or Self-actualization

Client advocacy groups Children’s Alliance King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Washington Tax Fairness Coalition SHARE/WHEEL Etc.

Delivery of Human Services Where do people go to get help? Charitable work Mutual aid systems Faith-based organizations Nonprofit organizations For profit organizations Private entities Government

Funding of Human Services Private pay Foundations Grants Charitable contributions Tax revenues

Washington State Tax System Sources of income-General Fund Retail sales tax: 52.5% Business & Occupation tax: 19.5% Property tax: 10.4% Real estate excise tax: 4.1% Public Utility tax: 2.6% All other taxes: 10.8% The reliance on sales tax results in a regressive tax system.

Where does the money go? Health and Human Services: 37% Public Schools (K-12): 41% Higher Education: 10.9% Gov’t Operations: 3% Natural Resources: 1.5% Debt Service: 6.6%

Options for increasing revenue base? Income tax: general or targeted Reduction in tax exemptions Increase input from corporations. In particular, 3 companies, all in the top 50 of the Fortune 500, have lots of employees receiving medicaid and Basic Health Plan benefits. Walmart employees: $18,413,400 Safeway employees: $7,199,366 Fred Meyer employees: $4,500,000 Source: United Food and Commercial Workers

Tax Exemptions Potential revenues that don’t end up in the revenue base. Key question: Does the exemption serve the public good? Is there a way to evaluate the effect of the exemption? Personal and professional services sales tax