VOTE411 Voter Guide

Oregon's personal income tax isn't as progressive as it once was and isn't as progressive as it ought to be. Oregon's income tax ranks 21st in progressiveness out of 22 states (and D.C.) with a progressive income tax. My highest priority as a state representative would be advocating for a more progressive state income tax that lowers taxes for poor, working and middle class families, and raises taxes for those who can most afford it, like individuals with taxable incomes greater than $180,000.

Oregon currently bans any kind of rent control from being adopted in the most unaffordable communities in our state. Likely the most impactful reform we could use to address housing unaffordability is to lift this ban on local rent control measures.

Staffing levels at K-12 schools across Oregon are still in crises. This is the primary issue that our Legislature needs to address right now, especially given recent federal funding for education costs not related to staffing. The best policy the Legislature can approve to improve K-12 education is to ensure that schools districts have the funds they need and have asked for so that teachers have good pay and benefits, and to exercise the state's authority over funding to ensure accountability.

A progressive income tax is, in my opinion, the most important tool a government has for addressing inequality. Oregon's near flat income tax is not only dragging down our state's economy by taking money from those who can least afford it and who would otherwise most likely spend it locally, it's also a big part of why most state provided public services and programs are severely underfunded and understaffed right now. Making our personal income tax rates more progressive will help lower poverty, boost our local economy, and reduce inequality in our state.

A good example of the kind of progressive income tax that I'll fight for can be seen in House Bill 3504, form 2023. More information about this issue is available on my website.

We need to expand upon our 2024 legislation regarding housing and reforming Measure 110: ensure progress on new housing programs, and press for expansion of residential drug treatment programs.

We need to change the funding formula so that the state provides additional assistance to low income school districts. At the same time we need to back away from restrictions which prevent non-profit organizations from assisting school districts. Our funding system needs to be revamped so we back away from requiring schools to provide social services when education needs to be the first priority.

Provide tax credits to businesses which support child care services for their employees.

Every city in Oregon is struggling to find revenue that will maintain current service levels. If we continue to do nothing, cities across the state will no longer be able to provide critical lifesaving services to residents and services such as parks and libraries will go by the wayside. Increasing our housing supply is a critical issue that not only helps address our unhoused crisis but will also help drive down the cost of housing for everyone. Cities across the state need help building the infrastructure that supports these housing projects. Transportation costs are the second highest monthly cost for families. We must invest in public transit and active transportation options like bike and pedestrian networks to help support families.

School districts across the state are hurting since the passage of Measures 5 and 50. We’ve seen this in Portland and now Salem; we’ve reached a breaking point. Teachers need better pay and more support. It’s critical that our children’s emotional and behavioral needs be met and it’s playing out in our classrooms. There are mental/behavioral healthcare deserts across Oregon that negatively impact families. I’m committed to finding ways to support families through education and public health.

I strongly advocate for a significant elevation in the state's attention to this issue. Given that the state wields the greatest influence over income dynamics, it possesses a distinctive capacity to tackle this challenge effectively. Moreover, I emphasize the critical significance of wealth inequality within our discourse. While addressing income disparities is imperative, acknowledging the gravity of wealth inequality is equally, if not more, crucial. Comprehensive tax reform is needed to empower local governments and school districts in delivering essential services to support working families. Resolving our housing crisis and fortifying social infrastructure, such as childcare, is pivotal for enhancing economic security for all.