OREGON MUST GET ‘BACK TO BASICS’; AVOID DRIVING JOBS, BUSINESSES OUT OF STATE

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House Republican Whip Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) rose on the House Floor to address the May 2009 state revenue and economic forecast. Rep. Maurer reflected on several key findings of the report, including the determination that personal income tax revenue is down 10 percent from the end of the 2007 session. Corporate income tax revenue is also down $234 million or -25.4% from close of session estimates.

House Democrats announced yesterday they are threatening to target certain Oregonians and businesses with tax increases. Rep. Maurer warned that doing so may drive these individuals and businesses away to other states where their capital, innovation and ability to create jobs would be more welcome.

Rep. Maurer also discusses the Republicans' Back to Basics budget plan that funds a full school year, protects public safety and human services, and doesn’t require Oregon families and businesses to send even more of their hard earned dollars to Salem. 

The Back to Basics plan forces agencies to justify increased spending requests, utilizes agency cash balances where appropriate, and freezes salary levels across state government. It leaves a surplus to fund higher DHS caseloads, public safety needs and other contingencies that may arise.