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IN THIS ISSUE:
Tax
Vote
Core Functions
Domestic Violence
Helping Soldiers
Thoughts for Thatcher
Friends,
As you know
we are facing yet another statewide vote on raising taxes in Oregon.
Earlier this year on the floor of the House I spoke in opposition to
these tax measures explaining that "you can't tax your way out of a
recession." Obviously the tax and spend liberals at the capitol were
not listening.
I have
faith that Oregon voters will see through all the propaganda and do the
right thing by voting NO on Measures 66 and 67. There are many misleading
statements being made in the media so let me shed a little light on the
facts.
In my other
life outside the legislature I run two small businesses. If these
measures pass, my companies, just like thousands of others across the
state, may have to layoff workers or cut wages. Under current law many
small businesses pay a $10 filing fee. However, under these measures they
could face a hidden sales tax, paying tens of thousands of dollars
in taxes even if they don't make a profit. Those costs are passed along
to you and I the consumers.
The sky
will not fall if these measures fail, the Legisalture will have to make
some tough decisions and prioritize how they spend tax dollars more
carefully. There are reserve funds available to cover some of the
projected shortfall. Overall our state spending is up nearly 10%. How
many of us got a 10% raise during this down economy? It's time to say NO
to more taxes and YES to better governing.
Sincerely,
Core
Functions of Government
As many of you have suggested in your feedback to this
newsletter, during tough economic times government should prioritize
spending, just like Oregon families. Rep Thatcher is drafting
legislation for the 2010 Special Legislative Session to establish the Core
Functions of Government. Once these critical services are identified then
the state budget would be based on spending priorities. The current
system of handing out money for state programs isn't working. The
Core Functions of Government are a great place to start and they've
worked well in other states.
Click here to read more about the legislation.
You can also contact House Speaker Dave Hunt to generate
more support for this proposal at rep.davehunt@state.or.us or
call 503.986.1200.
Holiday
Stress Can Prompt Domestic Violence
The holiday season can be full of enjoyment, but
also bring on a lot of stress for families -- including domestic
violence.
Several recent incidents have been reported around the state where
domestic violence may have been a contributing factor in murder-suicides.
While we grieve for these victims we can also work to stop the abuse.
State figures show one in three women between the ages of 20 and 55 have
suffered some type of harm at the hands of their partner and more than
40% of female homicides are related to domestic violence.
Click here
to learn more about the problem and if you know someone who needs
help click
here for information.
You can also contact the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual
Violence at 800-622-3782.
Operation Home for
the Holidays
 The Oregon Army National Guard is
asking for help to bring home 94 members who are stranded at Fort McCoy,
Wisconsin. Due to budget cuts, the Guard can't pay to transport these
soldiers back to Oregon for the holidays. The unit ships out to
Afghanistan shortly after Christmas where they will be stationed for over
a year to disarm and dispose of explosive devices. The Oregon War Veterans Association has
been assisting the Guard in this effort. Contributions are welcome at any
branch of US Bank to the OWVA/ORNG account or go to www.OWVA.org for more information.
Kudos for A Great
Educator
Props to
Dr. Paula Radich from the Newberg School District for being named 2010
Oregon School Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Radich has been a true
leader in education for our community and our state. She has been
Superintendent in Newberg for the past ten years. Recent test scores
show Newberg continues to get high marks including an "outstanding"
ranking on the new state report card.
Click
here to read more about Dr. Radich's achievements. We are lucky to
have her working for our students. Congratulations!
Thoughts for Thatcher:
Do you think
teachers should be allowed to wear religious clothing in
Oregon schools?
Click here
to give Representative Thatcher your thoughts.
Feedback From Last Month's Newsletter Question:
"How do you plan to
vote on the tax measures in January and why?"
- No. Government has to live
withing its means. As citizens, we need to start taking
responsiblity for our personal lives and not expect handouts or
bailouts from the governmnet every time we get into a bind.
- At the present time with
our fragile economy, I would not support or welcome any kind of tax
increase. We shouldn't need to increase taxes when we should start
with cutbacks to the amount of bureaucracy that we presently have.
- No. This upcoming vote will
hopefully give those liberal democratic spendingmongers in Salem an
idea that we are tired of working so hard so they can spend more
money on waste and fraud in government.
- I will vote no on the two
tax bills. I am a small business owner, a corporation that already
pays enough taxes.
- No. The legislature
implements far too many programs without giving sufficient thought
as to how to pay for them, and then expects taxpayers to happily
open their wallets.
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