By Taxpayer Association of Oregon Foundation Oregonians do live in tax hell. This tax season, Oregon taxpayers are sacrificing more of their tax money than most Americans. Oregon ranks as the nation’s fourth-biggest for state government spending, per capita, according to the latest data from the National Association of Budget Offices. That means 46 other…
Capitol Update Series: Developing high-speed internet connections in rural communities can expand business and economic opportunities, which is one reason Oregon Representative Lynn Findley authored House Bill 2455. The measure would define development and expansion of broadband Internet as economic development for purposes of the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board. In 2017, the Legislature…
By Taxpayer Association of Oregon Foundation, Capitol Update series: State Representative Christine Drazan made it a priority this year to find solutions to protect seniors form Oregon’s increasing tax rate which is driving some Oregon senior citizens from their home. The state and local taxes Oregon residents pay on real and personal property, net worth,…
Capitol Update Series: One of the priorities of Oregon State Senator Denyc Boles during the 2019 Session was to come up with legislation to address the rampant and persistent problem of school bullying and student harassment. In 2018, nearly 8.8 percent of students in Oregon reported they were bullied or harassed once a week…
It is official that the highly provocative and costly Carbon tax climate bill HB 2020 died as the 2019 Oregon Legislative Session drew to a close — mere hours before their June 30th midnight deadline. The carbon tax climate bill, HB 2020, passed the Oregon House but failed in the Senate after the entire Oregon…
The protest against Oregon’s Carbon Tax bill HB 2020 (also called climate bill, carbon cap and trade) went national this month and has led to its own collapsing. One of the loudest voices in the debate has been the community most endangered by the carbon tax — which is timber industry and the small…
Oregon Capitol Update Series: Patients under the Oregon Health Plan will now receive two hearing aids instead of one, thanks to Rep. Rick Lewis, R, Silverton, a former police chief. He asked the state to change the rules because people with one hearing aid can feel like sound is only coming from one direction. “When…
Capitol Update Series In August 2017, hordes of stargazers inundated Central Oregon to watch the total eclipse, but the experience left those living in the region less than happy. To better control such an event, the Oregon Legislature is considering House Bill 2790, which would let counties require permits for outdoor mass gatherings. Senator Cliff…
Capitol Update Series: State Senator Chuck Thomsen, Chuck Thomsen, a State Senator from Hood River, has been one of the Legislature’s best advocate for the needs of Oregon’s veterans. Recently, State Senator Chuck Thomsen wants to make sure that military veterans in Oregon are receiving the help they need, and to that end he has…
Capitol Update Series Featuring State Representative Mike Nearman. Information Tech watchdog is a title that Rep Mike Nearman wears proudly as he sits on the House Information Management and Technology Committee. Representative Mike Nearman wants to see the $39 million allocated from SB 1049 for software upgrades for PERS used wisely. A software boondoggle…