OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

For Immediate Release

April 24, 2013

Contact: Kevin Curry, 503-986-1351

HOUSE DEMOCRATS REFUSE STRAIGHT-UP VOTE ON

ENDING TAX BREAK FOR OUT-OF-STATE RETIREES

SALEM, OR – On a party-line vote, House Democrats refused to allow a straight-up vote on a measure to end the tax break for out-of-state PERS retirees. House Republicans tried to bring the bill to the floor for a vote because Democrats have tied the reform to unacceptable reforms in SB 822.

“Oregon House members deserve the change to vote up-or-down on eliminating the tax break for out-of-state retirees without it being tied to other, unacceptable reforms,” said Rep. Julie Parrish (R – West Linn). “Instead, House Democrats put this commonsense measure in with plans to skip a $350 million payment, which will cost Oregon another $50 million, and with a feeble reform of the cost of living adjustment.”

HB 3059, introduced by Rep. Bruce Hanna (R – Roseburg), ends the practice of providing a supplemental benefit payment to offset income taxes for those who are not subject to Oregon income taxes. The measure would save an estimated $55 million per biennium.

The vote was rejected on a party-line with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats voting against the motion.

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