|
|||
|
This section is devoted to the issue of taxes, one of the more contentious topics in Central Oregon and other parts of the United States. While we build this section, please check out these related web sites: The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities "is one of the nation’s premier policy organizations working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals." Citizens for Oregon’s Future is working to raise the level of discussion about taxes and budgets in Oregon. Citizens for Tax Justice "is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and advocacy organization dedicated to fair taxation at the federal, state, and local levels." The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) is a nationally recognized consumer group that has been fighting corrupt corporations and crooked politicians since 1985. Over the years, FTCR has saved Americans billions of dollars and improved countless peoples' lives by speaking out on behalf of patients, ratepayers and policyholders. Big Business has an endless amount of money and thousands of lobbyists working everyday to protect and increase their profits - no matter who it hurts. We get in their way and work to protect and improve the lives of American consumers and taxpayers. FTCR is a non-profit, non-partisan group and we depend upon the support of people like you. Please donate today. The National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) has served as the professional membership organization for state finance officers for over fifty years. NASBO is the instrument through which the states collectively advance state budget practices. As the chief financial advisors to our nation’s governors, NASBO members are active participants in the public policy discussions at the state level. The major functions of the organization consist of research, policy development, education, training, and technical assistance. These are achieved primarily through NASBO’s publications, membership meetings, and training sessions. NASBO is an independent professional and educational association and is also an affiliate of the National Governors’ Association. The Oregon Center for Public Policy is a non-profit organization based in Silverton and is an excellent resource for data and analysis related to taxes and other matters that should be of great concern to Oregonians. Responsible Wealth sponsored by many of America's wealthiest citizens who believe in the importance of people paying their fair share of taxes. The estate tax (or so-called death tax) is a major topic of interest on this site. This is a project of United for a Fair Economy. (see below) The Progressive Income Tax Theoretical Foundation - TaxWisdom.org has a collection of articles on taxation viewed from a progressive position. Taxpayers for Common Sense is "a non-partisan budget watchdog." This web site has scorecards on how senators and representatives in Congress voted on budget issues. In 2003 they gave Ron Wyden a 56% score, Gordon Smith 39%, and Greg Walden 30%. United for a Fair Economy "is a national, independent, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. UFE raises awareness that concentrated wealth and power undermine the economy, corrupt democracy, deepen the racial divide, and tear communities apart. We support and help build social movements for greater equality." The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center provides timely, accessible analysis and facts about tax policy to policymakers, journalists, citizens, and researchers. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan research and education organization that works on government taxation and spending policy issues. ITEP's unique resources and capabilities enable it to provide policymakers, advocates, and the public with accurate, useful, and timely information regarding state and federal tax systems and how they affect taxpayers at different income levels. ITEP's mission is to keep policymakers and the public informed of the effects of current and proposed tax polices on tax fairness, government budgets and sound economic policy. OregonWatchdog.com is maintained by the Taxpayer Association of Oregon. Many independents will disagree with much of the content, but it is worth noting the association's points of view. This site has listed 104 ways to balance Oregon's budget without new taxes. Some of these could have merit, but others clearly need to be considered before adoption. They will be discussed on this site in the near future.
Recommended Reading: Wealth and Democracy by Kevin Phillips Articles by Paul Krugman, columnist in the New York Times. Type "Krugman" in the search block to get his latest and archived columns. Articles by Robert S. McIntire, who writes as The Taxonomist in the American Prospect. Relief From Property Taxes by Bill Bodden, Redmond, OR |
"The wisdom of man never yet contrived a system of taxation that would operate with perfect equality." Andrew Jackson |
||