Oregon Budget

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.

State Economist: Oregon's Growth Rate Improving

Chris Lehman — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:09:09 +0000

Oregon's economic outlook is looking brighter. That's according to state economists, who issued their quarterly revenue forecast Thursday. The news comes as lawmakers get ready to put together the state's next two-year spending plan.

The slow and steady improvement is still steady, just not quite as slow.

Kitzhaber Challenges Lawmakers To Pass Additional Pension Cuts, Tax Hikes

Chris Lehman — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:33:14 +0000

On the eve of a new state revenue forecast, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber is putting pressure on state lawmakers to reach a deal over taxes and public pensions. The Democrat proposed a compromise Wednesday aimed at pleasing Republicans and Democrats in the legislature.

Majority Democrats have already approved cuts to public retiree pensions. But Republicans said the cuts weren't deep enough.

Oregon Hospital Tax Becomes Political Bargaining Chip

Chris Lehman — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:31:07 +0000

The Oregon House Tuesday approved a measure to renew a tax paid by hospitals and long-term care facilities. The concept isn't controversial since the institutions that pay it are largely reimbursed by federal Medicaid dollars. But the vote became a skirmish in a larger political battle in Salem.

That battle is whether to raise revenue or cut public pensions further.

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.

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.

Oregon Democrats Unveil Revenue Increase Proposal

Chris Lehman — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:14:48 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Democrats in the Oregon legislature are offering up more details of their plan to raise an additional $275 million for the upcoming budget. High-income earners and some businesses would pay more under the proposal, which was released Tuesday.

Democratic leaders say under their plan, less than five percent of Oregonians would pay more in taxes. The increases are aimed at households earning more than $250,000.

Opponents Pack PERS Hearing In Salem

Chris Lehman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:57:54 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Public employees in Oregon are voicing their objections to a measure aimed at cutting the cost of public pensions. They packed a legislative hearing in Salem Wednesday. Legislative budget-writers have floated a proposal that would limit cost of living increases for retired workers.

James Jacobsen is an administrative assistant in the College of Education at the University of Oregon. He expects to retire in about four years.