Taxes

Increased Corporate Tax Collections Could Trigger Oregon's Kicker Rebate

Chris Lehman — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:11:32 +0000

Better-than-expected tax collections could trigger Oregon's unique kicker law, at least for corporations. The rebate is issued if revenues exceed initial projections by more than two percent. A newly released revenue forecast noted Thursday that business taxes have been robust enough to cross that threshold.

But state economist Mark McMullen says a final tally won't be made until later this year. "We believe that a kicker is better than a 50-50 shot. But not a sure thing.

Union-Backed Group Files Corporate Tax Hike Initiatives

Chris Lehman — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:28:41 +0000

Two days after a proposed tax hike faltered in the Oregon House, a union-backed group has filed initiatives to raise taxes on corporations. The move by Our Oregon Friday could be a repeat of a bitter tax fight three years ago.

Our Oregon has successfully led two tax campaigns in the last few years.

Mixed Day For House Democrats: PERS Passes, Tax Hike Fails

Chris Lehman — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:43:27 +0000

It was a day of drama in the Oregon House Wednesday. First, majority Democrats failed to round up enough “yes” votes for a $275 million tax hike. Then, Democrats scored a victory by sending their version of a public pension cost-cutting proposal to Governor John Kitzhaber.

The plan targeted upper income earners and corporations. But tax hikes require a three-fifths vote and Democrats needed at least two Republicans to cross the aisle to move their measure forward.

Tim Eyman Proposes Yearly Advisory Votes On Two-Thirds For Tax Hikes

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:07:18 +0000

It’s been nearly two months since the Washington Supreme Court tossed out a voter-approved two-thirds requirement for tax hikes. Monday, anti-tax activist Tim Eyman proposed an initiative he describes as a “lobbying tool” to bring back the super majority rule.

Prospect Of Washington Special Session Looms

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:46:55 +0000

It appears more likely Washington lawmakers will go into an overtime session. The regular 105-day session ends this Sunday. But the House and Senate, along with the governor, still have to agree on a two-year budget deal. Even if a deal was at hand -- and it doesn’t appear one is -- they’d be cutting it close.

The reality is just getting a budget written and then passed through two chambers takes some time and basically that window is closing.

Washington Tax Hearing Brings Out Competing Tales Of Hardship

Austin Jenkins — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:03:19 +0000

Washington House Democrats are getting praise and scorn for their proposed $1.3 billion tax package for schools. At a public hearing Friday lawmakers heard tales of hardship from people for and against the tax measure.

First there were the PTA parents. They urged lawmakers to pass the omnibus tax bill to provide more cash for schools. Jennifer Harjehausen has kids in Kent schools, one of the most diverse districts in Washington.

Oregon Lawmakers Hear Sales Tax Proposal

Chris Lehman — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:27:17 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber told lawmakers Monday to approach a possible sales tax with caution. Oregon is one of five states without a sales tax and critics say that leaves state finances vulnerable to economic ups and downs.

The governor told a Senate panel that a sales tax is one possible component of a major overhaul to the state's tax code.

Democrats Back Away From Charity Deduction Proposal

Chris Lehman — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:56:07 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Democrats in the Oregon House are backing away from a key aspect of their budget-balancing tax measure. They’re no longer proposing to end the deduction for charitable donations for some high-income earners. The move Monday comes in the face of withering criticism from nonprofits.

The original plan would have applied only to households earning more than $250,000. Majority Democrats said it would have affected less than 3 percent of Oregon taxpayers.

On Tax Day, Oregon Lawmakers Consider A Sales Tax

Chris Lehman — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:22:07 +0000

One of the most politically sensitive topics in Oregon is up for debate at the state capitol Monday. Lawmakers will hold a hearing on whether to ask Oregon voters to approve a sales tax. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Washington House Democrats: Extend Taxes, End Tax Breaks To Fund Schools

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:06:44 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington House Democrats have unveiled a proposed two-year budget that looks a lot like Governor Jay Inslee’s. It would renew expiring tax hikes, close several tax exemptions and put the new money into public schools.

House Democrats would actually spend a tad more than the governor. But their approach is very similar.