Salem, OR. – Official Release: House Republicans delivered a letter to Oregon Speaker of the House, Julie Fahey (DEugene), requesting fair hearings, work sessions, and Floor votes on legislation to address the cost of living and provide desperate relief for hard-working Oregonians, including:
• HB 3753 – Helps working families and tax-burdened Oregonians keep more of their paycheck by nearly tripling the standard deduction allowed for personal income taxpayers.
• HB 3914 – Creates a personal income tax subtraction for tips received by thousands of Oregonians in the hospitality and service industries, helping them keep more money in their pockets as they face inflation and rising costs.
• HB 2234 – Creates a personal income tax subtraction for overtime pay received by Oregonians who work extra hours to support their families. No tax on overtime is a great way to give working Oregonians real, tangible relief from rising costs.
“We stand united and prepared to use every tool available to advance these ideas and elevate Oregonians’ concerns regarding affordability and our costly income tax structure,” read the letter signed by members of the House Republican Caucus.
• A recent January poll revealed that 79% of Oregonians favor cutting taxes to make Oregon more affordable and 70% favor eliminating state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. The same poll showed 56% of Oregonians say that taxes are too high.
• Oregon ranks as the 10th most expensive state to live in and it has the 5th highest individual income tax rate. Only California, Hawaii, New York and New Jersey have higher individual income tax rates.
• Furthermore, a recent University of Oregon study found that Oregon’s tax burden is by far the most commonly offered incentive for out-of-state businesses to recruit Oregon workers.
“House Republicans see this as a bipartisan call from Oregonians to lower the cost of living in our state and an opportunity for the Legislature to be responsive to the urgent needs of our constituents,” the letter continued.
“We want families to keep more of what they make by cutting income taxes and opposing new taxes and regulations that increase the cost of living,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) regarding the legislation. “Lowering costs for Oregonians, starting with their tax bill, is our top priority.”
About the Author
