Democrats refuse to stand by their priorities
On Tuesday, House Republicans forced a vote on the House Floor for legislation that would lower
taxes for the most tax-burdened Oregonians, including middle class income tax cuts and ‘No Tax on Tips.’
Republicans also forced a vote on the repeal of Oregon’s hidden sales tax on businesses and consumers, also
known as the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT).
“Today we pursued tax relief that empowers families to keep more of what they earn,” said House Republican
Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “Despite these missed opportunities, House Republicans remain
committed to making Oregon more affordable and will continue to use every tool to lower the cost of living and
improve the quality of life in our beautiful state.”
From the time the Democrat House Caucus announced their
priorities. The Republican Caucus has tried to help them meet their goals to increase prosperity, make Oregon more affordable, make Oregon safer and healthier, and protect rights and freedoms. House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, & S. Beaverton) said, “The legislature’s job is to improve Oregonians’ lives...and the values-driven leaders in our caucus will work hard to deliver results for working people." The Republican House gave Democrats an opportunity to advance their priorities, but uniting on the same goal seems to be out of the question.
Legislation to cut taxes and address the cost of living for working Oregonians presented on the House Floor:
House Democratic Leadership strategically permitted some Democratic members to vote for the motions, while
blocking a path to a majority vote using what has been dubbed a “hall pass.” The motion on all three measures
ultimately failed.
“Today, on Tax Day, this body missed an opportunity to help the working poor in our state by making Oregon
more affordable. Passing this bill would lower income taxes for hard-working Oregonians who earn lower
wages,” said Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), chief sponsor of HB 3753 and Vice Chair of the
House Revenue Committee. “It seems like just what the doctor ordered in a world still riddled with inflated
costs.”
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
“By eliminating taxes on tips today, we could have sent the message to Oregonians that we entrust them with
more economic freedom. But instead, this body decided to tell them that once again, we think the government
knows best,” said Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville), chief sponsor of HB 3914 and Deputy House
Republican Leader. “I fundamentally disagree with this notion.”
“We can’t tax our businesses into prosperity,” said Rep. Boomer Wright (R-Reedsport) chief sponsor of HB
2033. “Repealing the CAT Tax would eliminate Oregon’s hidden sales tax on businesses and consumers, which
would incentivize job growth and get rising costs under control. Oregonians have been taxed enough and today
we missed a huge opportunity to ease the tax burden. It’s time to neuter the CAT.”
On April 1st, House Republicans hand-delivered a
letter to House Speaker Julie Fahey requesting fair hearings,
work sessions, and a Floor vote on priority cost-of-living legislation that would provide desperate relief for
Oregonians. As of April 15th, House Republicans have not received a response.
--Donna Bleiler| Post Date: 2025-04-17 11:44:45 | Last Update: 2025-04-17 00:13:09 |
