Cross-posted from my campaign blog
On the front page of The Sunday Oregonian this week there is an article examining whether or not Oregon needs to reform its tax system. According to the story, my opponent Wayne Scott is squarely in the camp that believes we should maintain the status quo.
House Majority Leader Wayne Scott, R-Canby, the state's chief budget writer in 2005, agrees [that tax reform isn't needed]. Rising revenues will make it easy to balance future budgets -- and possible to sock away savings at the same time, he says. "We have a tendency to spend every dime, and we need to stop doing that."
But Scott and other lawmakers did just that earlier this year, spending all available money on services and schools. Scott says they created a $75 million general-use state savings account, but in fact, no money was put in it, state fiscal officials say.
Some experts who have studied Oregon's money picture are skeptical the state can stick with its current tax system and avoid another budget train wreck.
Oregon faces a number of problems today and sitting around hoping that things will just work themselves out on their own is not the solution. Unlike Rep. Scott, I will not write off the possibility that this state needs meaningful tax reform. Instead, I will approach this issue with an open mind and a willingness to think creatively about ways we can keep our state moving forward.
First, we need to bring some fairness to Oregon's tax system. Everyone -- including the powerful out-of-state corporations -- needs to pay their fair share in taxes. To this end, the antiquated $10 corporate miminum tax should be increased so big companies aren't allowed to pay next to nothing to support the services that we all use. Similarly, we should also eliminate the corporate kicker.
With these sensible moves, we can ensure that our most necessary services can be adequately provided for. Our children deserve a full year in school and class sizes that aren't busting at the seems. Our communities deserve to be safe, which requires undoing Rep. Scott's cuts to the Oregon State Police, and the state troopers in particular. Our families deserve access to affordable healthcare, which can be achieved with an insurance commission with teeth. Finally, our state deserves a state legislature that puts people ahead of politics and special interests.
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Mike Caudle is the Democratic nominee for the Oregon House of Representatives from the 39th district, which encompasses Oregon City, Canby and surrounding Clackamas County. To learn more about Mike, visit mikecaudle.com, Mike's campaign blog, Mike's Facebook group or Mike's ActBlue page.