Oregonians respond to proposed state budget cuts as special session nears

[TexasTowelie]

Dozens of Oregonians voiced concerns about proposed state funding cuts during three days of committee hearings last week, the public's first opportunity to respond to a budget plan that eliminates $387 million in spending across state agencies.

Needing to rebalance the budget after the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the state's economy, slashing expected tax revenue, lawmakers decided to prioritize K-12 education funding while reconciling a $1.2 billion hole.

Despite deciding to dip into the state's emergency Education Stability Fund to the tune of $400 million, the proposed cuts remain extensive.

A special session of the Oregon Legislature is expected to convene within the first two weeks of August. Lawmakers previously returned to the Capitol for a three-day special session in late June to implement police accountability measures and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more: https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/27/covid-19-oregonians-respond-proposed-state-budget-cuts-legislature-special-session-nears-salem/5509247002/
(Salem Statesman Journal)

[captain queeg]

1. Anyone got their kicker refund yet?

I’m starting to wonder if they will try to hang onto the money, though I only submitted my tax return about 3 weeks ago and taxes from 2019 should be a done deal.

[leftieNanner]

2. But Moscow Mitch thinks the country can afford

$30 Billion for some new military jets.



We don't have any sales tax here, and that's nice when you're buying a car, but it makes the state budget go "ouch" when times are tough.

On Edit: Sales taxes tend to be regressive, unfortunately, and it's a serious third rail in this state.