Local job creation needed in light of rising unemployment

By Capitol Watch
In: Measure 37
Thursday June 19, 2008

Press release from Senator Ted Ferrioli:

Salem, OR — Oregon’s need for local, family wage jobs is even more urgent after the state’s unemployment rate grew for the third straight month. Oregon lost 3,700 jobs in May, and has maintained an unemployment rate significantly higher than the U.S. average for several years. Oregon’s unemployment rate now stands at 5.6 percent.

“Oregon needs a bold vision to create lasting jobs in local communities,” said Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day). “The economy is sluggish at best and will continue to hold Oregon families back unless action is taken. New tools are needed to get our state back on the road to prosperity.”

Ferrioli and other members of the Republican caucus proposed a comprehensive tax relief and economic stimulus package in February’s special session. The package was designed to create jobs, give working families relief from unfair tax rates and demand more accountability from government. The proposal would give the average Oregon family an extra $408 every year and create 19,951 jobs.

“Oregon families need relief from rising gas and food costs,” said Ferrioli. “This proposal gives families some extra margin to help pay for healthcare and school programs, while making thousands of new jobs available in local communities. We can finally take a wrecking ball to our unemployment rate.”

The Working Family Tax Relief, Job Creation and Accountability Package will put more Oregonians into a lower tax bracket and provide the average working family with a 20% tax break. The tax relief puts $375 million back into the economy every year. It also restores fairness to the tax structure by taking low income earners out of the higher tax brackets. The proposal accomplishes these goals by doubling the size of Oregon’s 5%, 7% and 9% tax brackets, so Oregonians pay less tax on their personal income.

In spite of the rising costs of gas, food and other staples, Democrat leadership has been silent when it comes to creating jobs and helping families deal with skyrocketing expenses.

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