Vote YES on Oregon Ballot Measure 66
For at least the last 18 years, and historically for just about forever, we have heard the mantra for lower taxes. I am sure that everyone would love to pay as little in taxes as possible. It is natural: We really want to pay out as little as possible for anything and everything. There is nothing wrong with that.
In any case, thanks to the last 18 years of tax cuts and government tightening their belts, we are now enjoying the lowest taxes that we have seen in decades. Federal tax rates are down. Oregon State tax rates have not gone up in decades. In both cases, our actual tax rates have decreased thanks to a myriad of additional tax deductions and credits that we now have at our disposal.
In these times of shrinking state revenues, during the worst recession we have had in 80 years, we still demand quite a few services from our government. We demand law enforcement and prisons. We want to keep our road, rail, and air transportation infrastructure in good repair. Indeed, growth requires that we make further investments in these areas. We still require social services for the neediest and most frail members of our society. We need to continue educating our children and supporting the higher education system, that will allow us to continue to thrive in the future.
Actually, thanks to the poor economy, the need for these services is greater than ever. We need education to prepare us for new jobs. We need services to help get us through these rough times. We need to maintain what we have, so that we do not have to spend more to replace this infrastructure later from lack of maintenance. This is exactly the time that we need to fully fund the programs that we have asked our government to handle for us.
If we are to be responsible people in our state and our community, it is important that we do our share to continue the programs that benefit all of us. This is why it is necessary to go the extra step and ensure that these things are properly funded. It is necessary to vote YES on Oregon Ballot Measure 66.
The measure is designed to not affect those who could be harmed the most. Only individuals making over $125,000 in income or couples making over $250,000 would be affected by this measure. It is worth noting that this figure is the remainder after deductions from income are accounted for. The people who can least afford to pay anything extra will not be asked to do so. Those who presumably might have a bit to spare will be asked to dig deeper this time. This measure does not take away the money that anyone will need to feed or house themselves.
I am not fond of paying higher taxes. But I do understand that it would be irresponsible to stop paying for the services that some people need, just at the time that they will need them the most. This modest proposal is what we need right now to maintain what we have at the state level, especially during these times when we need all the help we can get.
Please join me in supporting this worthy proposal. Please vote YES on Oregon Ballot Measure 66.
Leave a Reply