The end of the legislative session approaches.
Dear Valued Member,
We are approaching our last month of session. Sine Die (end of session) is targeted for June 26, though constitutionally Sine Die is Saturday, July 11. For our purposes, the sooner the legislators go home the better.
Also constitutionally, unlike the federal government, session cannot end until a balanced budget has been passed for the 2015-2017 biennium.
May’s revenue forecast projected a personal tax kicker of $473 million. This is more than a 6 percent reduction in tax liability per Oregonian and provides an average refund of $284. Some Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the kicker and would like it to go into a state rainy day fund in lieu of returning the funds to taxpayers. Two bills sponsored by Rep. Tobias Read (HJR 18 & HJR 19) would change the constitution and reduce or eliminate the kicker return. NFIB balloted the repeal of the kicker, and 85 percent of our respondent members were opposed. This strong response provides the directive for our opposition of repealing or reducing the personal kicker.
We thank you for your membership and all that you do to keep free enterprise vibrant. We continue our mission and fight for your right to own, operate and grow your business.
Jan Meekcoms,
NFIB Oregon state director
