Questionable Democrat maneuver strips $108 million from kicker

Political shell game will short Oregon taxpayers 

By Oregon House Republicans Communications —

All House Republicans today voted against HB 2975’s so-called budget program rebalancing bill. HB 2975, which passed over bipartisan opposition, is a direct attack on the constitutionally protected kicker, returning dollars to Oregon taxpayers.

It is another example of the lack of transparency that has plagued the current session. By shifting funds into the next biennium, it removes $108 million from the kicker, money that would have been returned to Oregonians. Fully $28 million came from income tax revenue. The delay in transferring funds past May 31, is neither honest nor truthful and represents a political shell game.

“The constitution has a process for us to go through to reduce the kicker requiring 40 member votes,” said Rep. Mike McLane (R- Powell Butte). “We haven’t followed the process.”