FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday June 8, 2009

OREGON Tied for # 1 in TAX BURDEN
OREGON #2 in UNEMPLOYMENT
OREGON #3 in UN-HAPPINESS INDEX

And it’s only going to get WORSE if the Democrats continue to
propose higher taxes on Oregon families and businesses

PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s usually great to be #1, but not in Oregon’s case.  If almost $1 Billion in new job-killing taxes are passed by the Democrat controlled Oregon legislature, we will tie Hawaii for the highest personal tax burden in the nation.  While Democrats in Salem continue to lead our state down the path of higher spending and higher taxes and many new fees, Oregon has been nationally recognized for the economic harm of those Democratic policies.  

Oregon is the third least happy state in May’s “Happiness Index” as reported by MainSteet.com, #2 in the nation in unemployment, only behind auto industry troubled Michigan, and could soon have the highest income tax burden this week when Democrats seek another $733 million in new taxes on top of increased fees and taxes already passed this legislative session. Unfortunately the Democrats’ response to this trifecta is more spending and higher taxes that will only deepen the recession and prolong our recovery.

“It’s unfortunate that instead of making government spending more efficient and looking for ways to save tax dollars, the Democrats’ only plan is to is raise taxes on Oregon families and businesses.  This will lead to more businesses relocating out of state and will be a key reason why new businesses will look to other states to locate their companies,” said Bob Tiernan, Chairman of the Oregon Republican Party.  “Moreover, the Democrats’ proposed income tax increase will lead to more job losses and higher unemployment.  We’re quickly on our way to becoming #1 in all three categories.”

“Oregon does not have a revenue problem, it has a budgeting and spending problem.  The Republicans in Salem have a plan to balance the budget without raising taxes on Oregonians and it should be given close consideration.  We cannot afford the Democrats’ tax increases now.  It’s the wrong thing to do, at the wrong time, for the wrong reason,” said Tiernan.   

“The legislature will be adjourning in 3 weeks and it’s critical that they find a solution that doesn’t include more spending and higher taxes, or else we’ll #1 across the board.  And that’s not a recognition I want our state to have,” Tiernan concluded.

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