On March 8, 2013 the House Revenue Committee held a hearing on Tax Expenditures, Tax
Credits and Tax Deductions. Prior
to public testimony the committee heard from legislators, including House
Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland.
Two freshman legislators, Reps. Shemia Fagan, D-North
Clackamas County and Ben Unger, D-Washington County, followed and started a
lively discussion with Revenue Committee members Reps. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario,
Jason Conger, R-Bend, and Vicki Berger, R-Salem regarding tax policy and who’s
money is it? The citizens of
Oregon or the State bureaucracy?
The new members are calling for a review of all tax
expenditures, credits and deductions, saying it was a motivating factor in
their decision to run for office.
They are concerned that tax expenditures are going to the wealthy and
Corporations while schools could benefit from more money.
This money was considered lost revenue that could go to
schools, social services or any number of worthwhile projects. Another freshman
legislator said that Oregon was “entitled” to these funds.
Veteran committee members pointed out that elimination of a
deduction or credit is the same thing as a tax increase. The mortgage interest
deduction, the largest single tax expenditure, was cited as an example of a
possible tax increase if that deduction is eliminated or limited.
The Revenue Committee hearing demonstrated that there will
be more spirited discussions of tax expenditures and who’s money it is.
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