Rep. Berger & Rep. Cameron on Tax Reform & Savings

OREGON’S OPPORTUNITY FOR STABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Joint Editorial submitted by Rep. Vicki Berger (R-Salem) and Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem)

As recently as the 2003 Legislative Session, Oregon faced steep declines in revenue that resulted in budget cuts for schools, seniors and state police. Now that we have experience a few years of strong growth, it will be tempting for Oregon’s leaders to spend all revenues available instead of saving for the next downturn.

Oregonians deserve better leadership from the Governor and the Legislature. We need to rebuild trust with Oregonians by demonstrating that we will save during growth years so we do not have to make cuts when the economy weakens.

With a twenty percent increase in General Fund revenues, Oregon must set aside money in a rainy day fund. This is an investment in our future.
House Republicans have worked to create a rainy day fund with sufficient reserves to prepare for future shortfalls. At the same time, we have focused on finding ways to sustain job growth. We have proposed the Oregon Stability and Investment Plan to accomplish both of these objectives.

Our plan provides money for a rainy day fund by suspending the 2007 corporate kicker for C-corporations with annual incomes greater than $500,000. Out of 11,861 corporations who are expecting a kicker credit, 10,972 would receive their entire credit. Only 889 corporations would see their credit deposited into the rainy day fund.

House Republicans are also proposing to restructure Oregon’s “minimum corporate tax” which has not changed since 1931. Our proposal protects small businesses from the larger increases proposed by the Governor and does not affect S-corporations, LLCs or individual tax payers. Our plan reserves 1 percent of the 2007-09 General Fund for the rainy day fund. When combined with the Education Stability Fund, our plan sets aside $817 million this biennium.

Our goal is to have the rainy day fund equal to 10 percent of the General Fund. In addition to mitigating budget shortfalls, this will boost Oregon’s bond rating, allowing the state to borrow money at less cost to taxpayers. The rainy day fund should not serve as a cash machine for legislators looking for a convenient source of revenue. In order to withdraw funds, a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate should be required.

To promote job creation and investment, the House Republicans are proposing to reduce Oregon’s high capital gains tax rate and increase the inheritance tax exemption. Lowering Oregon’s capital gains tax rate, one of the highest in the country, will encourage businesses to invest in new jobs, facilities and equipment in Oregon. It will also enable middle-class families, seniors and small business owners to keep more of their savings.

By increasing the inheritance tax exemptions, we will protect many family-owned small businesses and farms from the devastating financial costs associated with the owner’s death. Our plan will also bring Oregon in line with the federal exemption, making it less complicated for taxpayers to file their tax returns.

Oregon cannot afford to let another session go by without decisive leadership on these sensible reforms.

Rep. Vicki Berger represents House District 20 which includes West Salem, parts of South Salem and the communities of Monmouth and Independence. She can be reached at 503-986-1420.

Rep. Kevin Cameron represents House District 19 which includes Aumsville, Salem and Turner. He can be reached at 503-986-1419.