Revenue and Budget Restructuring in Oregon
Earnest policy wonks in Oregon regularly call for “tax reform.” Some petition for increased or decreased business taxes; others quietly mention creation of a sales tax. Meanwhile, Oregon is in a budget crisis, with revenues shrinking while the costs of services — especially health care and corrections — continue to rise.
On January 16, three speakers will discuss how other governments have dealt with tax and budget policies, and how we might address these issues here in Oregon. Tualatin Valley Water District board president Richard Burke will provide an overview of foreign and domestic responses to historic budget crises. ECONorthwest economist Randall Pozdena will explain why European nations have raced to lower their corporate tax rates, and will discuss the general effects of tax rates and tax structures on Oregon’s global competitiveness. Former state representative Lane Shetterly, chair of the Oregon Task Force on Revenue Restructuring, will report on the findings of that Task Force, including its recommendations for a reformed tax structure.
