Where do I stand?
A primary candidate doesn’t gain political advantage by being specific about the issues. But voters deserve better.
Tax Fairness and Revenue Reform
Oregon needs tax reform. Principles of tax fairness, stability, and resistance to economic downturns must be balanced with the need for resource adequacy.
- Compliance. I support larger education and enforcement budgets for the Department of Revenue. Increased auditing and stronger penalties will pay for themselves many times over by bringing more taxpayers in compliance with the law.
- Fairness. I will work to cap tax giveaways. Out of every $1 of potential income tax revenue, the state gives away $0.45 in credits, deductions, and exemptions – sometimes without any corresponding public benefit. A 10% reduction in these tax breaks would generate as much as $1 billion in new revenue for schools and other vital services. Tax giveaways ought to be given the same level of scrutiny as other government expenditures.
- Stability. I support repealing the kicker. We should put some or all of the savings into a rainy-day fund so that we are prepared when the next economic downturn hits.
- Priorities. I will work to repeal Measure 11. Our prisons budget rose 30% in the last biennium as a result of our policy of mandatory minimum sentences – even for non-violent offenders. If we don’t fund school now, we fund more prisons later.
- In Oregon, many large corporations pay only the minimum income tax of $10. This is among the lowest of any state in the nation. I support raising the corporate minimum tax.
