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Oregon Territory

April 14, 2006 — Taxes

part one part two

download links: part one | part two

Most likely if you owe taxes, you’re scrambling this weekend to finish up and file your returns. Meanwhile, folks getting refunds likely filed a couple of months ago.

But whether you owe the tax man or are due a refund, the words Ben Franklin penned in 1789 still ring true, “Nothing in life is certain, except taxes and death.”

The amount of taxes you pay is what remains uncertain, of course. This week we’re talking with two key state lawmakers who deal extensively with the state tax system and how the dollars collected are spent.

Is an income tax the best way for Oregon to pay for state services? How about a sales tax—could that ever happen in a state where voters have rejected a sales tax nine times? And how about that kicker refund?

Host: Christy George

Guests: Sen. Kurt Schrader, D-Canby, 2005 Ways & Means Co-Chair, also Budget Subcommittee On Transportation & Economic Development Chair; and Rep. Tom Butler, R-Ontario, House Revenue Committee Chair, Audits Vice-Chair, also Health & Human Services Vice-Chair.

Links:

Oregon’s tax ranking:

Dueling studies about Oregon’s tax burden:

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