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Lawmakers Open First Session in Even-Numbered Year
February 1, 2012
By Heather Turner
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Legislature was back at work Wednesday for the first time since voters approved annual sessions.
Lawmakers say they’ll be focusing on four main issues during this session including balancing the budget, reforming health care, improving education and creating jobs.
Lawmakers say having a legislative session every year has many benefits.
“It helps us to budget more systematically, and to make legal legislative changes more frequently,” said Sen. Rod Monroe, (D-Portland).
Legally, they have only 35 days to get the job done. Lawmakers say they believe they can do it, with some conditions.
“As long as we don’t get caught up in a lot of other auxiliary, controversial, minor pieces of legislation,” Monroe said.
Among the issues: balancing the projected $300 million budget shortfall.
“People don’t want their pet programs to get cut, and something has to be cut, so if the economy goes down further, then those cuts will be probably the most difficult thing we have to do,” Monroe said.
Also on the table are health care reform and job creation.
“Some think that government is the one to create those jobs, I think and others in this building think it’s the private sector that needs to create those jobs for having a good, strong, stable economy for Oregon,” said Rep. Kevin Cameron, (R-Salem).
Governor John Kitzhaber took part in the start of the session, testifying in front of the senate education committee on behalf on Senate Bill 1581.
“To learn from what’s working best in our schools and disseminate best practices throughout our educational system, to accelerate our commitment to student success for all students by closing the achievement gap,” said Gov. John Kitzhaber.
The bill would also create a chief education officer to oversee all public education.
“But before then we need to give that position the authority to bring all the functions of education together, and to align them, to free up resources for students, teaching and learning in our institutions,” Gov. Kitzhaber said.
Lawmakers don’t have much time in this session, leaders have set an adjournment target of February 29.
KEVIN’S NEWSLETTER
January 20, 2012
50,000 JOBS IN FIVE YEARS
Two-Part Agenda Includes Reforms to Reduce Red Tape, Bureaucracy
This week, the House Republicans announced a detailed, two-part policy agenda for the 2012 legislative session. The agenda offers solutions to promote private-sector job creation while limiting government spending, as well as reforms to reduce red tape, improve classroom funding and make health insurance more affordable.
Our agenda recognizes that without business growth in the state, there won’t be tax revenue to fund the government and its programs.
Highlights of the “50,000 Jobs in Five Years” agenda include:
• Providing tax incentives to businesses that hire Oregonians and invest in the state.
• Providing tax relief to Oregon families.
• Leveraging Oregon’s natural resources to help generate new jobs in rural Oregon.
According to nonpartisan analyses, the plan’s $3.97 billion investment over five years would generate an estimated 50,000 jobs and generate $7.89 billion in personal income growth.
The Legislature can pay for this entire plan by simply limiting new government spending to the rate of inflation. We believe Salem can meet this challenge, and put 50,000 Oregonians back to work in the process.”
Highlights of the “Reform Oregon” agenda include:
• Reducing regulations to help businesses grow and create jobs.
• Increase classroom funding through cost-saving PERS reforms.
• Make health insurance more affordable for individuals and families.
“House Republicans are offering solutions to grow Oregon’s economy, but it is not a partisan agenda,” said Rep. Cameron. “We intend to work with Democrats, just as we did in 2011, to pass measures such as these to improve our state’s business climate and generate the private sector jobs many Oregonians need.”
KEVIN’S NEWSLETTER
January 6, 2012
Upcoming Annual Session
February brings our first constitutional annual session. Due to the legislative resolution which was referred to voters in the Nov. 2010 general election, we amended the state’s constitution and changed the schedule of regular sessions from bi-annual to annual. With limited exceptions, the constitutional changes limit the length of Legislative sessions beginning in odd-numbered years to 160 calendar days, and sessions beginning in even-numbered years to 35 calendar days. The changes took effect with the 2011 session.
We are now preparing for the short session beginning February 1st and ending no later than March 6th. We will be having regular committee hearings considering legislative proposals, as well as floor sessions. Each legislator is limited to two bills for this session.
In a recent newsletter I asked the question “Do you have confidence that the economy is improving for you and your family?” 81% replied “no.”
Oregonians are still struggling. I will continue to press for reforms and policies that will improve the creation of private sector jobs. This session will also largely focus on the continued decrease in revenue and how it is impacting the budget.
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Live Telephone Town Hall
You’re invited to join a live Telephone Town Hall with Representative Kevin Cameron and Representative Katie Eyre to discuss the upcoming February Legislative Session and it how it impacts local job creation and your family. This event will take place Monday, January 23rd from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.
In order to join the 60 minute Q and A discussion, please go to my website and fill out the form and you will be called minutes before the meeting with a personal invitation to join the meeting on the phone number you provide our office.
KEVIN’S NEWSLETTER
December 8, 2011
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Cyber week…..recovering?
There appear to be some bright spots this Christmas in our economy. Black Friday shopping increased 7% over last year. Total spent during the four-day shopping week-end was up 16% with $7.4 billion in increase of spending over 2010. Cyber Monday was the best selling retailer day since its inception in 2005. Additionally we spent nearly $6 billion online at retailer’s websites last week during “Cyber Week.”
More good news shows that nationally the unemployment rate fell from 9% to 8.6%, which is the lowest it has been since March 2009. The US Department of Labor reported that nationally 120,000 jobs were added in November.
How is all of this affecting us here in Oregon? I know we still have significant challenges in Oregon with unemployment, the slow housing market, decreased revenues for schools and other important programs, but it appears that people seem to be embracing this season.
KEVIN’S NEWSLETTER
Reflections on the Legislative Delegation to China
I just returned from China after participating with a legislative trade delegation. We didn’t make the trip to sign a specific deal, but primarily to build trust. It is a long-term process of relationship building.
China is Oregon’s largest trade partner, with over $4 billion worth of products sold to this emerging country. Oregon has 3.8 million citizens, which would actually be a very small city in China compared with Beijing (the Central Government Capitol) with a population of more than 24 million. That $4 billion translates into many jobs for Oregonians. The time our delegation spent with this trade partner was important. The Chinese business community appreciates government officials paying attention to them. They see this as a prideful status symbol that we visit each other.
One event we attended was the World Friendly Chamber of Commerce Convention, where Oregon was well represented and we networked with people from all over China and other countries. The Houston Chamber of Commerce was the only other US represented chamber. The relationships we began or continued to develop are such that over a longer period of time trust will be built and goods will be purchased.
Everywhere we went, we saw evidence of a growing economy. At one point I looked around 360 degrees and saw 18 large construction cranes in the air, some not moving, but still evidence of a construction boom much larger than here in our country. We also had the opportunity to visit the Three Gorges Dam spanning the Yangtze River. It is one of the largest power stations in the world, but has drawn much controversy with regards to impact on the environment and the people living near the structure. I took note that whenever they put their minds to doing a project; it got done very quickly and efficiently, but not necessarily in an environmentally balanced way.
We visited a large university and a high school. I was taken by the dedication of the students in the school. They had to work hard to obtain the knowledge to pass a test to gain entrance into this high school and were excited about being the best and moving on to a university to study. When I asked about their schedule, I found that they begin their day at 7:45 and it ends at 10 PM, 6 days a week! There are breaks in their day, but even when they go for exercise; it is very organized and disciplined. They have no TV or personal electronic devices and the only computers they have access to, are in their supervised classrooms.
In a global competitive economy, our preparation and practice to get us prepared for the real world seemed to be weak compared to what they are doing. However, I do believe we have an edge on the importance of people and values of life; having said that we certainly will need to step it up a notch if we desire to remain at the top of our game in the world economy.
Finally, I must say that I personally enjoyed the education I received and I know it will make me a better representative for Oregon. But my best day of the trip was when walked through my front door here in Salem. We live in an awesome area and country. I know we have been blessed with great resources, and it is up to us prudently use these resources in order for more Oregonians to earn a living and prosper.
KEVIN’S NEWSLETTER
REMEMBERING
September 11, 2001. We all remember the moment when we realized that our country was being attacked. The growing horror as we went from believing that a plane accidently ran into the World Trade Center, to realizing that it was deliberate. It is still stunning to hear the accounts from that day. Time has really not diminished the impact. The shock, outrage, and grief. But what I also remember is courage. Courage of the victims. Courage of the rescue workers. Courage of the families left behind. Courage of our soldiers.
Our nation united. We became aware of each other and our vulnerabilities in a way that we had forgotten. The events of 9/11 shaped us.
This week-end we mark the 10-year anniversary of this event that changed us all forever. We are still fighting the war on terror. Our economy is struggling in ways we haven’t seen in recent years. But we are a strong, scrappy nation of people. I want to encourage you to remember our strengths. Remember the courage. Remember our soldiers who continue to serve and protect us each and every day.
We are the United States of America.
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MEMORIAL AT RIVERFRONT PARK
Riverfront Park in Salem will have 5,000 flags and banners from Thursday through Sunday remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Each flag represents a person killed 10 years ago in the terrorist attacks or emergency service personnel killed responding to the attacks.
This volunteer effort is led by Exchange Clubs of Salem and funded by sponsorships and donations. Flags are for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Oregon National Guard Family Relief Fund and other charities.
The memorial is a remembrance of what happened that day, and also a remembrance of the lives lost overseas fighting the War on Terror.
KEVIN CAMERON FOR OREGON
September 8, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
(503) 515-4206
Rep. Kevin Cameron Announces Campaign for Re-Election
SALEM–Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) today announced his campaign for re-election to the Oregon House of Representatives. Rep. Cameron, seeking his fifth term, said his campaign will focus on improving the economy and creating new jobs in the Mid-Valley. “It’s an honor to represent the citizens of House District 19 in the Oregon House,” Rep. Cameron said. “I’m running for re-election because Oregonians continue to suffer from high unemployment and a lack of opportunities. As a small business owner and experienced lawmaker, I’ll continue to offer leadership and new solutions to help put people back to work.”
Rep. Cameron said he’ll work to build on accomplishments from the 2011 session. As House Republican Leader, Rep. Cameron helped pass several job-creation measures and worked with Democrats to approve a balanced state budget without tax increases. His leadership and 2011 record on jobs legislation recently earned him the “Champion of Prosperity” award from the Oregon Prosperity Project, an Oregon business coalition.
If re-elected, Rep. Cameron said he’ll work to pass new measures providing incentives to small businesses that hire unemployed Oregonians, reducing excessive regulations that stifle job creation, and providing tax relief to working families and low-income Oregonians.
“The economy is the most important issue facing Oregon,” Rep. Cameron said. “We need more jobs to enable more Oregonians to support themselves and their families. More jobs will also provide more revenue to support our schools, our law enforcement and critical human services. I look forward to enaging voters throughout the campaign and sharing my vision for Oregon’s future.”
Since entering the Legislature in 2005, Rep. Cameron has held regular town halls and has provided special assistance to residents who are experiencing problems with state government. When he’s not serving as State Representative, Rep. Cameron is CEO as Cafe Today restaurants. He and his wife Judy reside in Salem and have two grown daughters.
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
June 30, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
BUDGET, EDUCATION REFORMS HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC 2011 SESSION
Republicans Accomplish Key Priorities on Job Creation
SALEM— As the 2011 session adjourns, House Republicans said they were successful in restraining government spending and passing major reforms to Oregon’s education system. Republicans also won passage of measures to incentivize private sector job creation and to streamline approval of certain economic development projects.
“House Republicans slowed the growth in state spending, and helped our private sector create more jobs,” said House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem). “As a result, this Legislature didn’t raise taxes and we approved the most fiscally-sustainable budget in years. We’ve temporarily ended the Legislature’s hostility toward Oregon business, and passed several measures that will help put people back to work.”
Republicans say this year offered the most successful session on education reform in decades, including measures to promote school choice and to support innovative public schools across the state. House Republicans also pushed to fund schools first by making the K-12 budget the first to be passed this session, and supported adding $25 million in supplemental education funding as part of the reform package.
“Education reform is a signature accomplishment for this session,” said Deputy Republican Leader Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville). “These reforms will allow parents to seek better educational opportunities for their children, and will shift education policies and spending toward improving outcomes for all students.”
Earlier in the session, House Republicans successfully passed legislation to allow Oregon businesses and citizens to benefit from federal job creation tax benefits in 2011. Republicans also achieved key priorities such as extending Oregon’s successful enterprise zone program, launching the Oregon Low Income Community Jobs Initiative, and passing bills such as HB 2700 to expedite permitting for linear infrastructure projects.
“While this assembly should have done more on the economy, we’re proud of our accomplishments to promote job creation in our state,” said Republican Whip Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg). “In addition to allowing more businesses to invest in Oregon, we stopped additional job-killing taxes and mandates that would have stifled our economic recovery.”
House Republicans worked with Democrats to develop and approve the first legislative and congressional redistricting plans in decades. While the plans were developed through bipartisan negotiation, Republicans still believe an independent commission is needed to redraw legislative and congressional boundaries in the future.
“Redistricting is often considered the most partisan issue the Legislature can undertake, but we got it done through bipartisan discussion and compromise,” said Rep. Shawn Lindsay (R-Hillsboro), Co-Chair of the House Redistricting Committee. “We’re proud of this historic achievement, but it’s time for an independent, nonpartisan commission to take this politically-charged issue out of the hands of politicians.”
Republicans say they will return to the 2012 session with a renewed commitment to creating jobs and reforming state government.
“We understand that Oregonians continue to suffer in the poor economy, and we will not accept a ‘jobless recovery,’” Rep. Cameron said. “That’s why we will come back to the Capitol in February with new solutions to get Oregonians back to work. We will also come back with reforms to make state government more accountable and affordable to Oregon taxpayers.”
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OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
May 23, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
REP. CAMERON TO HOST ‘LOVE BOX’ PACKING PARTY TO BENEFIT OVERSEAS TROOPS
SALEM—Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) will host a packing party at the State Capitol on Monday, June 6 to prepare “Love Boxes” for troops serving overseas. The public is invited to donate and help pack non-perishable foods and other items, which will be shipped to troops by a local organization. The Love Boxes will be sent exclusively to members of the Oregon National Guard.
The packing party will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Capitol Galleria (East). In addition to donating and packing items, Oregonians may also sponsor a box by donating $12.95 in postage costs. Rep. Cameron has also invited each Legislative office to participate as well.
“A Love Box is an inexpensive yet meaningful way to let our troops know that we appreciate their service,” Rep. Cameron said. “With Memorial Day Weekend approaching, it’s important to let soldiers overseas know that they are not forgotten. Sometimes, just a small gift from home makes a big difference in their lives”
Oregonians are encouraged to donate items such as:
• Non-perishable foods such as beef jerky, trail mix, drink-flavoring packets.
• Hygiene items such as sunscreen, foot powder and athlete’s foot cream.
• Books, games, CDs, DVDs and magazines.
• Batteries, phone card, laundry detergent
• School supplies, candy or toys for troops to give to Iraqi children.
Prior to the June 6 packing party, item and postage donations may be made at the House Republican Office, H-354 at the State Capitol.
For more information on Operation Love Box, visit www.loveboxesforourtroops.com.
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OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
April 13, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
HOUSE REPUBLICANS LAUD EARLY PASSAGE
OF K-12 EDUCATION BUDGET
SALEM— House Republicans today lauded the early passage of the 2011-13 K-12 education budget. Republicans, who’ve made early passage a top priority for 2011, say today’s vote will provide certainty to school districts as they determine their own budgets for the coming school year.
“The Oregon House hasn’t passed an education budget this early in over 15 years,” said House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem). “Republicans have long called on legislative leadership to put kids at the front of the line for funding and make K-12 the first priority in the budget process. Today’s vote eliminates the politics of delay and gives school districts a number they can begin to work with. Early passage of the K-12 budget will also give school districts more time to find efficiencies in their own budgets to maximize classroom funding.”
Joint Ways and Means Co-Chair Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point) said the 2011-13 K-12 budget reflects a bipartisan compromise to provide a fiscally-sustainable funding level for schools. This budget is equal to the amount of money schools received over the last two year budget cycle, taps $100 million from the Education Stability Fund (ESF) specifically for classroom instruction.
Rep. Richardson, who has sponsored resolutions requiring the Legislature to pass the education budget within the 81st day of session, says the quick and bipartisan passage of the K-12 budget should set a positive example for future legislative assemblies.
“This will be the first time since I entered the Legislature in 2003 that the K-12 Education Budget is passed in April,” Rep. Richardson said. “This joint effort to ‘fund K-12 Education first’ is a tribute to this legislature’s bipartisan cooperation. Hopefully, passing the K-12 Education Budget in April will be a joint goal for legislators in future sessions.”
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The Statesman Journal
April 7, 2011
By Representative Kevin Cameron
CO-CHAIRS BUDGET IS RESPONSIBLE FIRST STEP FOR STATE
The release of the 2011-13 budget from the Joint Ways and Means Committee co-chairs provided Oregonians a glimpse at the challenges of managing the state’s finances in the face of high unemployment and declining tax revenues.
The bipartisan co-chairs’ budget requires legislators to make very painful decisions for the next biennium, but it provides a roadmap to long-term fiscal responsibility.
The co-chairs’ budget helps us achieve some very important goals. First, it makes state spending more sustainable by implementing “revenue-based” budgeting. In the past, the Legislature would determine what it wants to buy before it considers how much money it has to spend. The co-chairs’ budget breaks from the past by offering a spending plan based on anticipated revenue, not tax increases that would further harm our economy.
Second, the proposed budget promotes government reforms and sets aside $460 million in reserves for this biennium. The co-chairs propose fully funding state agency budgets for the first year of the biennium and reducing their budgets in the second year.
This plan accomplishes several things, but most important, it protects Oregon from a sudden economic downturn caused by soaring energy prices, foreign conflicts and unforeseen events. “Frontloading” these budgets also gives the Legislature, governor and agency officials a year to develop and implement leaner, smarter and more efficient reforms.
If state revenue is stable (or higher) by the time the Legislature meets in 2012, legislators could use all or a portion of $310 million from a “supplemental ending balance” to return agency budgets to their 2011-12 levels. If state revenue is down, the supplemental ending balance will provide greater stability and prevent further cuts to critical programs and services. This budget proposal begins the process of ensuring adequate reserves, not just for the next biennia, but for future biennia.
Third, the co-chairs’ budget increases funding for K-12 schools compared to the governor’s proposal and will be the first budget passed this session. In past sessions, the K-12 budget is used as a political football as schools are pitted against other interests for funding. This budget puts kids at the front of the line for funding and gives school districts the certainty they need as they develop their own budgets for next school year. It proposes accessing $100 million from the Education Stability Fund as long as those dollars are used for classroom instruction, not administrative overhead.
The co-chairs worked hard to maximize education funding without making deeper cuts to public safety and social services. The $5.7 billion education budget serves as a floor for funding.
In the event the economy improves and revenues increase, the Legislature could have an opportunity later in the biennium to send more money to schools. In the meantime, it’s irresponsible to risk further education cuts when our economic recovery remains uncertain.
The co-chairs’ budget is only the beginning of the process as legislators develop a spending plan. Over the next several weeks, subcommittees will be busy focusing on individual agency budgets. Changes will be made to the final budget, but it’s time for the Legislature and governor to make the tough decisions. The work will not be easy, but current and future generations of Oregonians are counting on us to put Oregon on a more stable fiscal path.
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
March 29, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
CO-CHAIRS BUDGET REFLECTS REPUBLICAN PRIORITIES ON SPENDING, RESERVES, EARLY K-12 FUNDING
SALEM—House Republicans today said the bipartisan 2011-13 Co-Chairs Budget reflects Republican efforts to bring state spending under control. Republicans say the budget includes significant reserves to protect Oregon from another economic downturn, and helps fulfill their commitment to pass the K-12 education budget early in the session.
“The Co-Chairs Budget offers a prudent spending plan for the next two years and beyond,” said Joint Ways and Means Co-Chair Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point). “We start by utilizing a revenue-based budgeting process, instead of an expenditure-based process. This means the budget was developed with available revenue, not tax increases that would further harm our economy.”
The $14.65 billion spending plan sets aside a total of $460 million in reserves to protect essential services during uncertain economic times. With the exception of K-12 education, state agency budgets are fully-funded for the first year of the biennium (2011-12), and 93 percent funded for the second year of the biennium (2012-13).
Republicans say this will give state agencies a year to implement leaner, smarter and more efficient reforms in their operations, and time to prepare for their 2012-13 budgets when they decrease by seven percent.
If state revenue is stable or higher by the scheduled forecast in February 2012, the Legislature may use all or a portion of $310 million from a “supplemental ending balance” to return agency budgets to their 2011-12 levels. If state revenue is down, the supplemental ending balance will provide greater stability and prevent further cuts to critical programs and services.
“Oregon’s economic recovery remains uncertain, and it is important for the Legislature to be prudent and prepared,” Rep. Richardson said. “The Co-Chairs Budget gives the Legislature, Governor and agency directors more time to reform how the state delivers services. It also protects Oregon in the event our recovery falters.”
The Co-Chairs Budget proposes higher K-12 funding compared to the Governor’s Recommended Budget and utilizes $100 million from the Education Stability Fund. With this agreement, the Legislature is poised to fulfill Republicans’ commitment to pass the K-12 budget early in the session.
“This session we are eliminating the ‘politics of delay’ when it comes to the K-12 budget,” Rep. Richardson said. “I’m pleased the Legislature is on track to pass an early K-12 budget that gives school districts the certainty needed to determine their own funding before the fiscal year begins. The early passage of the K-12 budget ensures that kids are placed at the front of the line for our limited state resources.”
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The Register-Guard
March 13, 2011
By Representative Kevin Cameron
OREGON CAN GET TO REFORM WITHOUT THE ‘WISCONSIN SOLUTION’
There’s been much speculation in recent weeks whether the political battle in Wisconsin is coming to Oregon. Like the Badger State, our state government is struggling to balance the budget due to a poor state economy, overspending and years of falling tax revenues. As in Madison, Salem is forced to confront the rising costs of state personnel salaries, benefits and pensions.
While I support some actions taken by Republicans in Wisconsin, I believe Oregon can control spending and find reasonable solutions without a bitter and divisive debate in our state Capitol. We value our front-line workers, but Oregon must pursue fiscal reforms to sustain our schools, law enforcement and other vital government services. I believe we can achieve these reforms without taking away collective bargaining rights for public employee unions. Oregon House Republicans continue to meet and listen to state employees and their ideas for reform this session.
However, Oregonians should compare our state workers’ benefits and pensions to those who’ve barricaded themselves inside the Wisconsin Capitol the past several weeks. Wisconsin state workers pay 6 percent of their health benefit costs, yet Oregon state workers contribute nothing. Wisconsin state workers pay a small percentage of their earnings into their retirement plan, yet Oregon state workers pay nothing.
Oregon is one of a very few states that doesn’t require its workers to contribute to their premiums. These benefits cost taxpayers $55 million a month, and the costs are growing. House Republicans have proposed requiring state workers to contribute 9 percent toward their health insurance premiums. We believe this is a reasonable contribution considering that public- and private-sector workers elsewhere pay an average of 30 percent.
Oregon must also address rising costs in the Public Employees Retirement System, which continue to consume larger and larger portions of state and local government budgets. We’ve proposed reforms to create a more affordable program for new hires, without affecting agreements for existing PERS members and retirees. Currently, our state and local governments “pick up” 6 percent of employee contributions into individual accounts. Republicans have proposed limiting the pick-up to 3 percent, which would save $132 million this biennium.
While we don’t propose eliminating collective bargaining rights for public employee unions, House Republicans believe that Oregonians and their elected representatives deserve a voice in future negotiations. We’ve proposed requiring legislative approval for a union contract or collective bargaining agreement that allow for an increase in compensation greater than the average increase in the consumer price index for one year prior.
Gov. John Kitzhaber is currently engaged in collective bargaining negotiations with Oregon’s major public employee unions. Though he was elected with significant support of these unions, he seems to understand that Oregon must address rising personnel costs. His initial offer to the unions represents a real effort to bring these costs under control.
The governor deserves a chance to reach a compromise, and we offer bipartisan support for concessions he is seeking. However, to bring real and lasting change, we will continue to push for reforms that make our state government more sustainable and more affordable to Oregon taxpayers.
I don’t believe that state workers caused Oregon’s fiscal and economic mess, yet their salaries, benefits and pensions are paid by many Oregonians who’ve suffered during the Great Recession. Any effort to restrain personnel costs must be supplemented by aggressive policies to strengthen our private sector and put people back to work for Oregon businesses.
Unless the economy recovers, we’ll continue to need concessions from our public employee unions. Without more private sector jobs, we’ll struggle to balance the budget and fund services.
House Republicans are committed to controlling spending and creating jobs, but we’ll listen to our front-line workers and maintain a civil debate at the state Capitol.
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
March 10, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
HOUSE REPUBLICANS OFFER CAPITAL GAINS TAX REFORMS TO CREATE JOBS
Relief from High Capital Gains Taxes Will Boost Investment, Hiring
SALEM—House Republicans today presented three bills to the House Revenue Committee that would provide relief from the state’s high capital gains tax rates. Republicans say reforming Oregon’s capital gains taxes, among the highest in the nation, will encourage new investment and job growth.
House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) testified in support of HB 3050 to reduce Oregon’s capital gains tax rate in half.
“The current rate serves as a barrier to economic development, and potentially drives companies and investors to other states where capital gains tax rates are lower or even zero,” Rep. Cameron said. “A high capital gains tax rate- as we have in Oregon- discourages people from investing and encourages current investors to hold onto their assets. Reducing the rate will encourage investors to realize their gains, reinvest, and create jobs in Oregon.”
Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) testified in support of HB 3157 to create a subtraction in net capital gains in income and corporate taxes. The subtraction would be available for the 2012 through 2016 tax years.
“State economists have told us it could take as many as four years for Oregon to reach its pre-recession employment levels,” Rep. Whisnant said. “HB 3187 creates a four-year window to promote economic activity and increased investment in our state. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that 50 percent of a cut in capital gains is recovered by higher economic growth. Compared to so-called government stimulus, it is a small price for government to pay for more jobs for its citizens.”
Rep. Julie Parrish (R-West Linn/Tualatin) testified in support of HB 3221 to allow the deferment of long-term capital gains taxes if investments are made in Oregon during the tax year. The bill, which has attracted bipartisan support, provides a mechanism for capital to be reinvested in hiring, operations and infrastructure.
“Oregon businesses need access to capital, not just for big purchases, but to manage their day to day cash flow,” Rep. Parrish said. “They also need to know that if they sell their business, they can defer that capital gain into their next business, and avoid ever having to bootstrap a company from scratch ever again!”
Rep. Cameron said House Republicans are supportive of any idea- whether Democrat or Republican- to provide relief from Oregon’s high capital gains taxes.
“Even the Governor recognizes that reducing capital gains promotes investment and economic development, and has offered a proposal as part of his budget,” Rep. Cameron. “We hope to pass a measure this session to reform our capital gains tax rate and create jobs in Oregon.”
Reducing Oregon’s high capital gains tax rates to create jobs is part of the House Republicans’ 2011 Jobs and Reform Agenda.
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The Register-Guard
March 9, 2011
Editorial
A COMMITMENT FULLFILLED
The Legislature rightly restores business tax breaks
An understanding is an understanding. Even in hard times.
Back in 2009, Oregon lawmakers voted to disconnect Oregon’s tax code from the federal code as part of their struggle to balance the state’s budget. The move meant that businesses could not take state deductions on several breaks that Congress had included in federal economic stimulus and other legislation. Those breaks included accelerated depreciation for business equipment purchases and other incentives meant to bolster investment and job creation.
At the time there was a clear understanding between lawmakers and the business community that Oregon would fully reconnect to those and other portions of the federal tax code for 2011. At stake was a hefty $93 million in business tax breaks.
The Oregon Senate got swiftly to business last month, approving Senate Bill 301, which was intended to fully reconnect Oregon to the federal tax code. As expected, the bill included a provision giving Oregonians a state tax deduction of up to $4,000 for college tuition, books and other related expenses, and another allowing parents to keep their children on their health plans until they reach age 26 without being taxed on the benefit.
But the 2011 business tax breaks were inadvertently omitted from the legislation. When lawmakers discovered the mistake just before the final House vote on SB 301 last week, some Democrats wanted to consider the possibility of using the unexpected $93 million to plug some of the gaping holes in the state budget.
House Democrats asked for additional time to consider the tax breaks — or, more specifically, the tantalizing possibility of using the $93 million to put some teachers back in classrooms, provide health and human services and keep state troopers on the road.
The motion to delay failed by a 30-30 vote, thanks to the vote by all 30 House Republicans to refuse the Democrats’ request for additional time. The House then passed SB 301 with the business tax breaks added to it, with 11 Democrats, including House co-speaker Arnie Roblan of Coos Bay and Val Hoyle of Eugene, voting in favor of the amended bill.
Republicans deserve credit for standing firm on the inclusion of the business tax breaks, as do the Democrats who joined them on the final vote to approve the amended legislation. While the temptation to regard the $93 million as a budget-plugging windfall was understandable, the decision not to include the business tax breaks would have undermined the Legislature’s already shaky relationship with the business community, especially in the wake of the controversial 2009 vote by then-Democratic majorities in the House and Senate to increase taxes on corporations and high-income earners.
Gov. John Kitzhaber also deserves credit for urging the Senate to quickly approve the amended House bill, which it did Tuesday. As the governor noted, the funding for the business tax breaks was anticipated in his 2011-13 budget — evidence of the previous understanding between the business community and state officials that the breaks would be restored.
The decision of nearly a dozen Democrats to join Republicans in voting for the tax breaks in Monday’s final House vote on SB 301 and Tuesday’s unanimous approval by the Senate should send a message to the business community that Oregon’s new leadership understands that a commitment is a commitment — and that state businesses need all the help they can get in getting Oregon’s economy back on the move again.
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
March 7, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
SENATE SUPPORT FOR RECONNECT BILL
SHOWS BIPARTISAN COMMITMENT TO JOB CREATION
SALEM—House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) today commended Senate leaders for their commitment to quick concurrence on SB 301. The bill approved today in the House provides tax relief to families and college students in 2010, and upholds a commitment made by the Legislature to allow Oregon businesses and citizens to benefit from federal job creation tax benefits in 2011.
“The speedy passage of SB 301 will show that Republicans and Democrats can work together to create jobs in Oregon,” Rep. Cameron said. “I thank the Oregon Senate for recognizing the need to quickly fix the state’s broken reconnection law. With the Governor’s signature, SB 301 will allow our job creators in the private sector to use these incentives to put people back to work.”
On a bipartisan 41 to 19 vote, the House today approved SB 301 to ensure a 2011 reconnection to the federal tax code. House Republicans said the bill was needed after legislative attorneys last week discovered that, due to a drafting error in 2009 law, businesses would be not be eligible for bonus depreciation and small business tax relief starting January 1, 2011.
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Portland Business Journal
February 18, 2011
By Representative Kevin Cameron (R-Salem)
OREGON’S GOP AGENDA FOCUSES ON JOBS
Oregon continues to struggle through one of the deepest and longest economic downturns in our history.
Though there are some signs things are getting better, Oregonians are not enjoying the same opportunities as Americans in other states. Our unemployment rate currently stands at 10.6 percent, which far exceeds the national rate.
When we include Oregonians who are not in the labor force, want work and are available for work, or had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months, our rate swells to a staggering 20 percent.
State economists believe that it could take years before our employment reaches pre-recession levels. This isn’t good enough for the 206,000 Oregonians who are unemployed, and the many more who are seeking better jobs to support their families.
As Salem and Washington D.C. have shown us over the past two years, government isn’t capable of creating long-term jobs. However, I believe it’s capable of creating an environment where businesses can succeed.
That’s why House Republicans have a 2011 Jobs and Reform Agenda that includes measures to encourage businesses to put more people back to work, as well as to encourage investors to put more dollars to work in our state. Among our solutions, we’re proposing a tax credit to qualified businesses that hire unemployed workers, and another measure to allow small companies to defer their tax payments if they expand payrolls.
We’re reintroducing the Main Street Incentive Plan to give homeowners and businesses incentives to invest and hire Oregonians to improve their properties.
To make Oregon more competitive, House Republicans are proposing a reduction in our state’s high capital gains tax rates. We will also seek to reform the job-killing Measure 67 by replacing the gross-receipts tax with two reasonable corporate minimum tax rates.
To help families and low-income Oregonians during these difficult times, we propose putting more money into their pockets by adjusting state income tax brackets and increasing the state’s per-child tax credit.
Our Jobs and Reform Agenda seeks to regionalize Oregon’s land use system to promote economic development. We will seek to create market-driven jobs in alternative energy by creating incentives for the production and transportation of woody biomass. Finally, we’ll work to meet the state’s water needs by permitting Columbia River withdrawal during high-flow periods, and to better manage our state forests to maximize job creation and funding for the Common School Fund.
Critics will argue that our job-creation proposals come at the expense of state government. This argument misses the point. As Ronald Reagan once said, the greatest social program is a productive job for anyone who’s willing to work. All of our measures create jobs and, over the long term, will generate more tax revenue for vital public services.
The Legislature must take action to support our private sector and help Oregonians find long-term jobs. Oregon’s per capita personal income gap with the nation continues to grow, and our per capita earnings are too far below the national average.
Oregonians deserve better than the slow, jobless economic recovery we are experiencing. Short-term measures to boost job-creation, combined with long-term strategies to create a better business environment, are needed to help Oregonians close the gap with the rest of the country.
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
February 15, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER COMMENTS ON MARCH 2011 REVENUE FORECAST
SALEM— House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) had the following to say regarding the March 2011 revenue forecast:
“Oregon’s economic and revenue forecast shows weak job growth and declining business tax revenue. Despite all the optimism inside the Capitol, Oregonians aren’t satisfied with a jobless recovery. It’s the Legislature’s responsibility to find new policies to strengthen our private sector and help create jobs.
“The House Republicans’ 2011 Jobs and Reform Agenda offers our ideas to promote job growth and a better business environment. Our proposals provide small businesses new incentives to hire unemployed Oregonians, as well as to make Oregon more competitive in a global economy.
“Contrary to the previous forecast, state economists are no longer expecting a corporate kicker. This is a reminder that we shouldn’t rely on the kicker to replenish Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund. The state’s constitutional kicker law didn’t create Oregon’s budget crisis, and repealing or weakening unforeseen kicker refunds won’t deliver long-term stability. To re-build the Rainy Day Fund, the Legislature must set money aside and reform the budgeting process to make state spending more sustainable.”
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The Bulletin (Bend)
February 7, 2011
By Representative Kevin Cameron
In My View
Most Oregonians recognize the need for a robust rainy day fund to protect essential services during economic downturns. However, not everyone agrees on the best way to save for a rainy day.
Some argue that canceling kicker checks to taxpayers and businesses will solve all of our problems. However, any effort to undermine the kicker will fail as long as Oregonians believe that state spending is out of control. To regain their confidence, the Legislature must show that it’s capable of saving money just as families and businesses do every day.
The idea of building a rainy day fund at the expense of the kicker isn’t new. In 2007, the Legislature suspended the corporate kicker and redirected the revenue into the newly created rainy day fund. Some heralded this as a major achievement that would end the boom-or-bust nature of Oregon’s finances.
After an initial estimated deposit of $309 million, the rainy day fund was depleted as the economy soured and the Legislature continued to spend beyond our long-term means. With the rainy day fund now close to empty, some are going back to the kicker as the ultimate solution for future shortfalls.
I believe there is a better way to rebuild our rainy day fund. Legislative Republicans have proposed dedicating 1 to 3 percent of general fund revenue at the beginning of every biennium to the rainy day fund. Simply put, our proposal requires the Legislature to save money before it spends it all. If our proposal had been in place since the beginning of 2007, we would’ve set aside as much as $792 million without touching the kicker and without taking more money out of the economy.
However, there is no single solution that will make Oregon’s budget sustainable over the long term. The kicker is not the cause of Oregon’s fiscal problems, and diverting Oregonians’ kicker checks will not save services in the future. Even our own proposal will only go so far to protect Oregon when it’s raining. To truly bring spending under control, aggressive savings must be complemented by major reforms to our budgeting process.
Overall, state spending has increased 40 percent since 2005. This level of spending has created a $3.5 billion shortfall that everyone reads about in the news. This shortfall only describes the difference between revenues and the cost of maintaining an unsustainable state budget. It includes roll-up costs from new government programs that taxpayers couldn’t afford; hundreds of millions in one-time federal bailout money; and hundreds of millions in state salary, benefits and PERS increases.
In reality, the Legislature will have $1.2 billion more to spend in 2011-13 than it did in the previous biennium. This will make for an increase, not a reduction, in general fund spending.
In addition to setting aside money for the future, true reform means developing a budget on existing revenues — not on what’s needed to maintain the status quo. We must determine what state government can do with what we have, and work to provide the best possible services at a cost taxpayers can afford.
Government reform is not a Republican or Democratic issue. Gov. John Kitzhaber’s recommended budget is based on available dollars, not tax increases, and establishes a reserve of $220 million. His budget demonstrates a real commitment to long-term spending reform, and offers a fiscally sound blueprint for the Legislature to follow. House Republicans are willing to put partisan politics aside and work with the Democratic governor to prevent yet another decade of deficits.
The Legislature must answer this call for change. Kicker reform advocates should understand that as long as state government resists true spending reform, there will be little appetite among Oregonians to lessen or eliminate kicker refunds.
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
February 1, 2011
Contact: Nick Smith
503-986-1351
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET
SALEM—House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) today had the following to say regarding the release of the 2011-13 Governor’s Recommended Budget:
“Oregon can no longer afford the business-as-usual budgeting process that has perpetuated years of unsustainable spending. It’s time to develop a budget based on existing revenues- not on what’s needed to maintain the status quo.
“The Legislature will have $1.2 billion more to spend in 2011-13 than it did in the previous biennium. This will make for an increase, not a reduction, in General Fund spending. We’re pleased the Governor recognizes this reality, and is not handing us a budget loaded with tax increases and unrealistic spending proposals.
“Though the Governor has provided a sound budget blueprint, we will have some respectful disagreements. For example, before weakening voter-approved sentencing guidelines, we should first look at reducing the annual cost per inmate that is among the highest in the nation.
“While House Republicans are pleasantly surprised to see a Democratic Governor propose a reduction in capital gains taxes, we believe more can be done to encourage new private-sector investments in Oregon businesses and workers. We’ll continue to work with the Governor and legislative Democrats on proposals that help create jobs.
“House Republicans are committed to passing the 2011-13 K-12 budget midway through the session to give school districts more certainty as they develop their own budgets for the next fiscal year. The Governor’s budget offers a workable guideline for accomplishing this, but we’ll continue to insist on an early K-12 budget as well as education reforms that maximize funding for classroom instruction.”
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Statesman Journal: Time to follow through on job creation promises
November 15, 2010
By: Rep. Kevin Cameron
The people of Oregon have spoken, and they have asked our state’s elected leaders to bring balance back to our state policies.
They have asked us to put aside partisan bickering and focus on the issues that really matter to Oregonians, such as creating jobs, improving public education and better managing our precious natural resources.
It’s time to make Oregon competitive again, not just with other states, but within a vast global economy. It’s time to give Oregonians new opportunities to earn, not just for themselves and their families, but for the greater good.
Consider that if Oregon had the same average income per citizen as our Washington neighbors to the north, we would see $24 billion more a year in income for our citizens. At a 9 percent income tax rate, this would be $2.1 billion a year in revenue, or $4.2 billion for this budget cycle. Only jobs can create the revenue we need to educate our children, keep our communities safe and care for Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens.
Nearly every candidate for state office — from the governor’s race to the Legislature — promised to focus on creating jobs. Now we are nearly two weeks past the election, and it is important that all messages and actions coming from our elected officials remain focused on the priority that got them elected: the need to create an environment that will foster private sector job creation. If we don’t stay together on this directive, we will miss the mark of balance that our citizens desire.
The citizens are expecting to see a Senate narrowly divided (16-14) and a tied House (30-30), come together and perform our constitutional duty of balancing the budget and beginning the process of “resetting” state government for the long term.
Over the next several months, there will be many interest groups that will be working to protect their slice of the budget pie. Many groups will implore me and other legislators to avoid cutting their programs. The reality is that sacrifice is unavoidable. There can be no turf protection.
We must work together, not merely to cut, but to make our state programs run more efficiently and effectively. We must be willing to think outside the box and change the way we do business as a state. Failure to come together to make difficult decisions and changes may prove devastating to our state’s economy and will impact our quality of life for many years to come.
My desire is to see the Oregon House set the tone for the upcoming session. I am optimistic that the new House of Representatives will put petty partisanship aside and come together for the benefit of our state.
Change has come to Salem. It is time our state’s elected officials confront these challenges, just as many families and businesses continue to do under very difficult circumstances. The people of Oregon have spoken and have asked the elected leaders to bring balance back to our state that will improve the quality of life for all.
Rep. Kevin Cameron, R-Salem, can be reached at (503) 986-1419 or rep.kevincameron@state.or.us.
Read more: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20101115/OPINION/11150317/Time-to-follow-through-on-job-creation-promises#ixzz15SrZqxFS
Statesman Journal: This is not the time for ‘easy’ solutions to state’s problems
December 15, 2009
By: Rep. Kevin Cameron
Recently I wrote a check to the Oregon DMV for the registration of a personal vehicle.
I was reminded of the 50 percent increase in registration fees, along with over $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees that were passed in the 2009 legislative session, yielding an all-funds budget increase of $4.8 billion (9.3 percent increase), not the $2 billion cut that others proclaim.
While citizens are making difficult decisions personally, I wondered what benefit they would receive from these increases.
In October, the Statesman Journal reported on the first of 10 furlough days for state employees. The report focused on how these closures impacted our dedicated state employees and hard-working citizens being served.
The article included a story about a citizen who traveled from Santiam Canyon to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License so he could apply for a job. He found a closed sign on the door of the normally open DMV. Both locations in town were closed.
Being a practical and creative thinker, I thought, why didn’t Salem have one of the two DMVs open, alternating weeks of closure? At least the citizens could be served. Why didn’t we creatively schedule, as any normal business would, practically — reducing the necessary hours fairly of all staff so the establishment could remain open?
Ask your local grocery store if they would just close to “save” money or would they be creative to stay open, making sure their hard-working customers were able to purchase groceries to eat?
So I called the director of the DMV in search of the answers to my questions. He simply said it was out of his hands — a decision made above him. I asked the governor’s office and was sent an e-mail explaining the “why,” but was told what I believe to be the real problem, “(scheduling this way) makes managing the furlough days for 26,500 employees much easier.” Wow! What if Safeway or Fred Meyer took this approach? They would be out of business in no time.
The customers (citizens and businesses) of Oregon are faced with difficult challenges. These tough times call for hard decisions and hard work by leadership. The front-line employees and managers of our state services have the professional ability to schedule to the needs of our citizens. We need top level leadership that will allow them to do what is right for the citizens.
As we discuss the debate of taxes, I think the real question is, When will the leaders of our state realize this is not the time for “easy”?
