While Oregon Democrats are trying to sneak through a backdoor tax increase on businesses struggling to keep workers employed, Senate Republicans have outlined legislation that would provide much-needed relief. The slew of bills includes provisions like slashing taxes on necessities like feminine hygiene products, prescription drugs, diapers, and baby formula.

“If the pandemic lockdowns have taught us anything, it is that when our local businesses suffer, our communities suffer,” Senate Republican Leader, Fred Girod (R-Lyons) said. “When people can’t provide for their families, emergencies like the pandemic are made worse.”

“While Democrats are attempting to repeal COVID relief measures that passed in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion in Congress, Senate Republicans are focused on the needs of struggling Oregon families,” Deputy Leader Chuck Thomsen (R-Hood River) added.

The package would implement common-sense economic recovery measures that would help Oregonians get back to work, keep more money in their pocket, and support our struggling businesses.

“If there was ever a contrast between two approaches to recovery, this is it,” Senator Lynn Findley (R-Vale) said. “One wants to put more money back in the pockets of Oregonians who need it the most, and the other wants more money in the state coffers to spend as they please.”

The tax relief and recovery package will be the first of many packages Senate Republicans will be introducing to address Oregonians pressing needs.

“While Oregonian's state government is dominated by one party, we are providing them with a viable alternative,” Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) said. “The only solution being offered by Democrats is more taxes, their same tired solution to every problem for decades.”

The package includes important measures that would help families struggling with student loans, set up an assistance fund for struggling small businesses, and create incentives for businesses that pay above-average wages.

“The 2021 legislative session is all about recovery,” Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) added. “From public safety, getting kids back to the classroom and families back to work, to wildfire and economic recovery, Senate Republicans are focused on the most important issues facing Oregonians.”

The bills included in the package are:
SB 521 (Girod, Findley, Knopp) exempts basic necessities like prescription drugs, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and baby formula from the corporate activites tax.
SB 506 (Thatcher) would make it easier for those without a high school diploma to get into good-paying jobs by allowing job experience to count toward professional or occupational licenses.
SB 531 (Girod, Findley, Thatcher) would establish an assistance fund for employers for lost income that resulted because of lockdown orders.
SB 760 (Findley) would save small businesses from spiraling unemployment insurance increases.
SB 462 (Girod) would give those with student loans a credit on their taxes for student loan interest payments.
SB 449 (Knopp) would help employers bounce back and start hiring again by creating a tax credit for employers who expand the workforce with high-wage jobs.
SB 530 and SB 15 (Girod, Findley) would reform the death tax so families who lose a loved one from COVID aren’t surprised on top of their grieving by getting met with an unexpected tax bill from the state.
SB 545 (Girod, Findley, Knopp, Thatcher) grants special property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
SJR 21 (Girod, Findley) proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to prohibit the Legislature from raising unnecessary taxes.
SJR 11 (Knopp) enacts a property tax relief program for seniors.
SB 443 (Knopp) would tax working families at a predictable, flat rate.
SB 447 (Knopp) requires bureaucratic fee increases to be approved by Legislature.
SJR 14 (Girod) would limit the growth of state government and new taxes by limiting budgetary increases.
SB 87 (Findley) would create a tax credit for housing providers who lost income because of non-payment of rent.
SB 738 (Knopp) would forgive fines on businesses if they reopened to support themselves and employees in violation of the Governor’s executive orders but did not lead to a disease outbreak.

Yesterday, Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) announced he is drafting the ‘Stimulus Check Protection Act’ that would keep more money in working Oregonian’s pockets by shielding federal stimulus checks from state income taxes.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-02-17 12:44:50

Last Update: 2021-02-17 12:58:07