Williams is a life-long taxpayer advocate who has archived the state’s largest collection of government waste. Jason heads both the Taxpayer Association of Oregon Foundation and its sister organization, Taxpayer Association of Oregon.

Oregon Legislature Begins Today

The Oregon Legislature begins today and taxpayers should pay attention. The Oregon Legislature is looking at over a 100 tax and fee increase proposals.  The Oregon Legislature will also look at rule changes which will have the effect of raising taxes and costs on taxpayers and businesses.  The Oregon budget will grow by over a…

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Marijuana tax revenue hits $60 million

Oregon Department of Revenue Press Release, As of December 31, 2016, the Department of Revenue has received $60.2 million in marijuana tax payments since the state began taxing recreational marijuana in January 2016. Additional marijuana tax data is available at www.oregon.gov/dor/stats Marijuana tax receipt information will be updated on this page monthly, generally toward the…

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Health care fail: Higher costs, providers flee

By Taxpayer Foundation of Oregon Health insurance prices on the Obamacare exchanges have been published on HealthCare.gov, and it’s not good news. Higher premiums, higher deductibles, and fewer choices. Fewer plans: Last year, residents in Portland, Oregon had a choice of 87 plans. This year, we get only 37 plans from which to choose (1).

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Governor Brown introduces Son of Measure 97 Tax

Governor Brown introduces Son of 97 Tax By Taxpayer Association of Oregon Foundation, – $300 million small business tax – $530 million health care tax – 100% Liquor tax increase – 64% tobacco tax increase Tax burden falls on small business as big business goes untouched: Twenty four days after Oregonians rejected the Measure 97…

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Central Oregon housing soars, the rest simmer

Oregon Regional Economic Indicators: Oregon’s regional economies remain strong. Most regions are modestly below their peak growth rates of the cycle and look like they are in a mature phase of the business cycle. Highlights of this month’s report include: – For all regions, moving average measures (which smooth monthly volatility) remain above zero, indicating…

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Portland CEO tax makes national news

Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, Nov.16th, 2016 Portland, Oregon is famous for its modish devotion to organic foods and craft beers. Now the city is embracing a new trend that could leave local workers with a very bitter aftertaste. It’s a fresh tax on business and it could be coming to a city near you,…

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Oregon sees steady growth

Oregon Regional Economic Indicators: University of Oregon Regional Economic Indexes Release, September numbers were mostly positive Oregon’s regional economies. Underling trends continue to indicate solid growth. Highlights of this month’s report include: – For all regions, moving average measures (which smooth monthly volatility) remain above zero, indicating above average activity. Recall that these figures measure…

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20 years of the worst scandals, costly mistakes

1996 – $56 million DMV software crash (1) 1999 – $200 million over-time scandal (2) 2000 – $1.4 billion the state neglected to collect (3) 2005 – $524 million hidden school fund uncovered by media (4) 2006 – $40 million in DUI fines un-collected (5) 2008 – $60 million Data Center boondoggle (6) 2009 –…

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