Last year 11 states reduced their individual income tax rates including top marginal rates. Five states reduced their corporate income tax rates and the number of tax brackets. Many reductions are paired with other pro-growth reforms, including helping low-income workers.

But Oregon legislature leadership with Governor Brown’s direction, can’t seem to get their focus off of the dollar signs. Introduced bills were already chipping away at the billion-dollar slush fund that built up letting federal handouts fill-in the budget.

Governor Kate Brown statement on the February revenue forecast revibrates legislature’s majority leadership statements. “Our latest state revenue projections present an opportunity to make investments that spur a strong economic recovery and support working families, especially those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic, wildfires, and the unprecedented challenges Oregonians have faced in the last two years.”

Governor Brown continues, “This is a pivotal moment for Oregon. We have a windfall of one-time resources this year, and we have the opportunity to make big investments—and to do the big and bold work to help our working families and businesses thrive. We cannot miss this moment.”

In case you missed her intention to spend the windfall on you, she repeats, “While I am pleased to see growth in wages for Oregonians, there is more work we need to do to grow, develop, and support our workforce. Now is the time to make critical investments in housing, child care, workers, and businesses to help jumpstart growth and keep our economy moving.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“And as we work to help Oregon families succeed, with these additional resources at the midpoint of session, we also have an opportunity to ensure that every Oregonian feels safe in their community. I will continue to work with legislators to address community safety, and I encourage members of both parties to bring forward their ideas for evidence-based community violence prevention and intervention. When we invest in and create opportunities for Oregonians and their families, we create safer, healthier communities.”

Gov. Brown drilled down on her State of the State address where she focused on budget priorities directing millions to affordable housing then turned around and said “we have invested more in affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and rental assistance in my tenure as Governor than any other administration.” Taxpayers should ask, why don’t we see some improvement?

One thing she didn’t mention, nor did the majority party leadership, was a reduction in income taxes that would stimulate the economy.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-02-10 00:35:12

Last Update: 2022-02-10 00:45:55