Influences on Social and Human Services

1
Influences on Social and Human Services
2
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.

3
Belief systems/philosophies

• Institutional view or Residual view
• Irritation response theory or Self-actualization

4
Client advocacy groups

• Childrens Alliance
• King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Washington Tax Fairness Coalition
• SHARE/WHEEL
• Etc.

5
Delivery of Human ServicesWhere do people go to
get help?

• Charitable work
• Mutual aid systems
• Faith-based organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• For profit organizations
• Private entities
• Government

6
Funding of Human Services

• Private pay
• Foundations
• Grants
• Charitable contributions
• Tax revenues

7
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.

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Where does the money go?

1. Health and Human Services 37
2. Public Schools (K-12) 41
3. Higher Education 10.9
4. Govt Operations 3
5. Natural Resources 1.5
6. Debt Service 6.6

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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

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Tax Exemptions

• Potential revenues that dont 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