Oregon Ping
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Posted on 03/03/2006 1:21:19 PM PST by Mr.Atos
Business Unfriendly
From the Oregonian today...
Again, government, and in this case, the governor, wants to steal $205 Million dollars of corporate tax surpluses, to fund myriad of dreamt up State programs. Oregon law requires that any surpluses over 2% be returned to the taxpayers…now the governor is eying the corporate portion of the excess to fund his liberal agenda.
What bothers me most is that the law is part of the State Constitution, and changing it requires a state wide vote, but the Dems who run this state seem to think that Constitutions, laws, and voter approved measures are advisory in nature. They continually seek to subvert the will of the majority by attempting to garner support for their “causes” while the laws clearly tell them what the MUST do. Respect the law, issue the excess dollars back to the businesses who have overpaid their taxes. Do not view these excess revenues as opportunities to buy votes, add programs, or expand government. The law clearly outlines what must be done with the money, now just do what you're are legally bound to do.
Also, what astonishes me, is that governments are increasingly looking to profit making companies to lend more (almost never ending) support to the myriad of “righteous” programs they seem to be able to dream up with their limitless imaginations. These companies have budgets…which by the way…they stick to. They have stockholders to which they are responsible to maximize their profitability…they cannot simply agree to give more money to the government without impacting the value of the company…a concept this State’s government never seems to get. And, the more millions that the government take out of these businesses, the fewer jobs, and less growth these businesses can support.
Lastly, I have huge issues with the tone that the Oregonian sets for this article. The following is the second paragraph of the article…
"Leaders of an array of business groups said it is possible, although far from certain, that they will lobby to redirect the corporate kicker back to state government -- if they can agree how the money should be used."
Now, read the entire article, and see if anywhere you get the feeling that anyone in business is supporting this…it is not there.
Lynn Lundquist, president of the Oregon Business Association, said his board will take a position on the corporate kicker next week. He said his group is inclined to favor diverting the money into a reserve fund or high-priority, one-time expenditures.
Craven, whose electronics association represents high-tech manufacturers, agreed that it would be better to redirect corporate kicker money into a reserve fund than to kill the kicker entirely and have the money pump up general spending.
J.L. Wilson, director of the National Federation of Independent Business-Oregon, said his members support the corporate kicker -- even though most don't receive it since they are not corporations -- because it keeps a lid on state spending. But, he said, "We have no plans on obstructing the process. We would prefer those dollars be captured in a way that benefits Oregon business."
Joe Schweinhart, lobbyist for Associated Oregon Industries, said he wants to hear more from the governor but his group is open to ending the corporate rebates if the money helps boost business growth. A top AOI priority is cutting the capital gains tax, and he'll push to use corporate kicker money to cushion the state if the capital gains rate is cut, he said."
What you get is lobbyist politicking for other positions relating to how corporate taxes should be collected and distributed within in the State. Nowhere do you get the sense that companies are lining up behind this. Did anyone ask Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Intel, PCC Structurals, Schnitzer Steel, whether or not they would like to have their excess tax payments back? No! These companies, while willing to pay their fair share, are not begging the State to keep their money, and if plainly asked, they would plainly tell you they want their hard earned money back.
This kind of writing is the Oregonian shilling for the Governor and his liberal, over-spending agenda.
Coincidence that the governor is not going to the individual taxpayers in the State and not trying to keep their kicker money? It would be political suicide, but I guess corporations are easy targets for this kind of lawless grab for excessive tax collections.
Ping for the locals!
This is pathetic. My wife said Lars Larson's sit-in yesterday said this is merely rewarding poor management and he's dead on. The Governor can also pick on companies because who wants the political stigma the governor is trying to stick them with? "Business doesn't care about education", "Capitalism gone wild", etc. Business groups have little choice regarding whether to say the truth or shut up and let the governor screw them over.
Thanks for the ping. Strangely, I bought a paper today - I'll have to read it.(when did it go up to $.50???? ~ it's been a while since I read paper and not pixels, I suppose)
Oregon Ping
Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Oregon Ping List.
We really need to give Mr. K the boot.
Agree 100%. He has been a disaster for us. Will have to clear out rat infested Portland before it happens, though. :(
Excellent post, Mr.Atos!
My first thought was, "Good grief!"
I should be getting used to this, but I don't want to.
"This kind of writing is the Oregonian shilling for the Governor and his liberal, over-spending agenda."
This is most definitely nothing new.
The Oregonian hasn't darkened our doorstep since they shilled for universal health care.
"…now the governor is eying the corporate portion of the excess to fund his liberal agenda."
The 'Rats are tricky.
We need to come up with a good mouse trap. Trick them into relocating to Canada, Cuba or Venenzuala or some 'socialist paradise' liberals are alway raving about. A free one-way cruise or something...
Yes, ma'am!
We surely do!
If something doesn't change soon,
this state is done for.
Thank you for the ping!
Or...they can go home to CA.
Just a thought. ;o)
Wishful thinking - and I'm definitely wishing. :^)
You and I are definitely on the same page.
Wishing...and hoping! ;o)
Be Ever Vigilant!
The kicker money is there due to Bush' Tax Cuts and the Bolschveks in this state haven't a clue. The money will get sucked into PERS.
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
Tax theft to fund the maggot infested liberal voters never stops on the West Coast does it?
I now call it Portafornia.
Of course those entities quoted in "news" articles who are so anxious to do away with it are those who would get the money if it were kept.
And here your guest blogger points out that those three entities mentioned in the daily fish-wrap's "news" article who might entertain fiddling with the kicker in some way clearly would expect something in return (such as a permanent tax cut).
The business world can do what it wants but I'm sure at the end of the day the lot of them are smart enough to realize there is no such thing as a permanent tax cut. And either way I'll look out for them with my vote (which I don't suppose I need to point out a corporate entity doesn't have).
The kicker law is nothing more than a requirement that the state have a truly balanced budget. And there is nothing wrong with that.
Good thing is come november Atkinson will be governor. Just bite your lip a little longer.
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