A tactic meant to raise revenue for the Oregon government through more taxation on the people of Oregon has now passed through both chambers of the Oregon legislature and is awaiting Governor Kate Brown's signature.

SB 139 has just passed (32-26) in the House chamber mostly on party lines, but with some opposition from a few Democrat legislators.

Former Republican Senator Brian Boquist (I-Dallas) supported the legislation and voted yes on SB 139. The Senator has been known to be a somewhat controversial legislator, he has previously drawn the ire of his former party affiliates by helping to pass infringements on the Second Amendment in recent years.

Two Democrats in both the Senate and the House voted “NO” on Senate Bill 139, a bill that will generate over $40 million in new revenue for the State of Oregon off of the backs of Oregon businesses. In fact, representatives from many Oregon industries and businesses submitted digital testimony, as lobbying in-person at the capitol building was still banned due to supposed covid restrictions. However, much of the digitally submitted testimony seems to have been routinely ignored by the legislators, instead choosing to rush through the process, and especially in the last days of the legislative session.

Adair Village Mayor, small business owner and former Chair of the Oregon Republican Party Bill Currier wrote this column about how bad this bill is in a recent edition of the Oregon Catalyst.

No Republicans voted “YES” on SB 139 since Senator Boquist is no longer a Republican.

Meanwhile, numerous Republicans spoke forcefully against this attack on business in Oregon including Rep. Bill Post (R-Keizer) as seen in this video: Representative Bill Post on SB 139.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-06-28 14:38:48

Last Update: 2021-06-28 14:42:22