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Although we do own a "S" Corporation, the effect of this measure will be greatest on our three elementary school aged children. 

Job losses have decreased the amount of state taxes collected.  Where would the opponents of this tax suggest the money come from?  There is absolutely nothing left to cut in schools except the school year. In fact, schools have been relying on the financial support of parents and community partners to pay for the "extras" such as art teachers, music teachers, and librarians for years.  Since the downturn started, this source has been spent down to the point that there is no cushion moving forward.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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Depending on the business structure, healthcare can be taxed as income.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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My understanding is that the tax base has gone down significantly this year.  Job losses have decreased the amount of income tax the state is receiving.  However, schools still have the same monetary requirements as they did last year.  After all, the population of Oregon has continued to grow this year.  Anyone with a child in a public school can attest to the fact that there is no surplus spending to be cut in education.  In fact, because of the economy, schools have been hit again in that families have been less able to contribute to the schools.  This is how art teachers, music teachers, librarians, and any "extra" staff has been paid for to date (by contributions from families and community members not by taxes paid).  To pay for education at the most basic level (which is all taxes was supporting anyway), we need to make up for that lost revenue somewhere.  These measures are what the legislature has deemed the most appropriate. 

I'm not happy about paying more taxes, who is?  We are likely to be affected in that my husband works from home in a business that is organized as a "S" corporation.  Believe me, we are just getting by.  No vacations or dinners out or savings.  We can just pay our bills so any additional taxes on "S" Corporation distributions will affect us directly.  However, I do view education as worthy of support.  Each of us had the opportunity to receive an education, and we need to pay this back by giving new generations the same (or hopefully) better opportunities we have enjoyed.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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