House GOP forces tax cut vote

By Oregon House Republican Caucus,

SALEM, Ore.On Tuesday, House Republicans forced a vote on the House Floor for legislation that would lower taxes for the most tax-burdened Oregonians, including middle class income tax cuts and ‘No Tax on Tips.’ Republicans also forced a vote on the repeal of Oregon’s hidden sales tax on businesses and consumers, also known as the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT).

“Today we pursued tax relief that empowers families to keep more of what they earn,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “Despite these missed opportunities, House Republicans remain committed to making Oregon more affordable and will continue to use every tool to lower the cost of living and improve the quality of life in our beautiful state.”

Legislation to cut taxes and address the cost of living for working Oregonians include:

• HB 3753 – Income Tax Cut
• HB 3914  – No Tax on Tips
• HB 2033 – Repeal Oregon’s Hidden Sales Tax (CAT)

House Democratic Leadership strategically permitted some Democratic members to vote for the motions, while blocking a path to a majority vote using what has been dubbed a “hall pass.” The motion on all three measures ultimately failed.

“Today, on Tax Day, this body missed an opportunity to help the working poor in our state by making Oregon more affordable. Passing this bill would lower income taxes for hard-working Oregonians who earn lower wages,” said Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), chief sponsor of HB 3753 and Vice Chair of the House Revenue Committee. “It seems like just what the doctor ordered in a world still riddled with inflated costs.”

“By eliminating taxes on tips today, we could have sent the message to Oregonians that we entrust them with more economic freedom. But instead, this body decided to tell them that once again, we think the government knows best,” said Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville), chief sponsor of HB 3914 and Deputy House Republican Leader. “I fundamentally disagree with this notion.”

“We can’t tax our businesses into prosperity,” said Rep. Boomer Wright (R-Reedsport) chief sponsor of HB 2033. “Repealing the CAT Tax would eliminate Oregon’s hidden sales tax on businesses and consumers, which would incentivize job growth and get rising costs under control. Oregonians have been taxed enough and today we missed a huge opportunity to ease the tax burden. It’s time to neuter the CAT.”

On April 1st, House Republicans hand-delivered a letter to House Speaker Julie Fahey requesting fair hearings, work sessions, and a Floor vote on priority cost-of-living legislation that would provide desperate relief for Oregonians. As of April 15th, House Republicans have not received a response.