Oregon's Broken Tax System
Too many Oregonians have lost faith in their government. They see politicians who serve donors instead of constituents, a tax system that favors the wealthy, and agencies that can't deliver basic services. Rabbi Fora will rebuild trust by ensuring effective delivery of services, performing necessary audits and oversight on spending, and ensure our government works for all Oregonians.
A government that truly reflects our values starts with a fair tax system, transparent operations, and elected officials accountable to the people, not wealthy donors.
Reform the Kicker
Oregon's "kicker" law returns revenue to taxpayers whenever state economists underestimate collections by more than 2%. It sounds nice, but it's a disaster for budgeting and primarily benefits the wealthy.
The Kicker Problem
- Boom-Bust Budgeting: When the economy is strong, we give money back. When it crashes, we cut services exactly when people need them most.
- Wealth-Skewed: The kicker is proportional to taxes paid, so the richest Oregonians get the biggest checks.
- No Rainy Day: Instead of building reserves for recessions, we empty the coffers in good times.
The Solution
- Redirect kicker funds to a robust rainy day fund
- Invest in infrastructure and services that benefit everyone
- Provide stability for schools, healthcare, and public safety
Fix Property Taxes
Oregon's Measure 5 and Measure 50 created a property tax system that's frozen in 1995. Properties are assessed at values from decades ago, creating massive inequities and starving local services of funding.
The Problem
Identical properties can pay wildly different taxes depending on when they were last sold. New homebuyers subsidize longtime owners, many of them wealthy, who pay far below market value.
School Funding
Property taxes fund local schools, but frozen values mean chronic underfunding that state lottery money can't fix.
Split Roll
Commercial and industrial properties, especially those held by corporations for decades, should be reassessed to market value while protecting homeowners.
Homeowner Protection
Any reform must protect anyone with a low or fixed income, disability, or higher than average debt-to-equity ratio. That means expanding and automatically applying our "circuit breakers", measures which limit/cap property tax increases.
End Corporate Welfare
Oregon gives away hundreds of millions in tax breaks and subsidies to corporations, often with little accountability and dubious public benefit. It's time to end corporate welfare and make businesses pay their fair share.
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Review All Tax Breaks
Conduct a comprehensive review of every corporate tax expenditure. Sunset those that don't deliver measurable public benefits.
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Clawback Provisions
If a company receives tax incentives for job creation, they must pay back those incentives if they fail to deliver or move jobs out of state.
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Minimum Corporate Tax
Oregon's $150 minimum corporate tax was set in 1931. Ensure profitable corporations pay a meaningful minimum, regardless of deductions.
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Transparency
Publish annual reports on all tax expenditures: who benefits, how much, and what public benefit results.
Radical Transparency
Oregonians have a right to know how their government operates. Rabbi Fora will bring unprecedented transparency to state government.
Open Records
Strengthen Oregon's public records law. Reduce fees, shorten response times, and limit exemptions that shield government from accountability.
Lobbyist Disclosure
Require real-time disclosure of lobbying contacts, campaign contributions, and their connection to legislation.
Open Data
Publish government data in accessible, machine-readable formats so citizens and journalists can analyze how government works.
Budget Transparency
Create user-friendly budget tools so every Oregonian can see exactly how their tax dollars are spent.
Electoral Reform
Our democracy works best when everyone can participate and every vote counts. Rabbi Fora supports reforms that make elections more representative and accessible.
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Independent Redistricting
Take map-drawing out of politicians' hands. Create truly independent redistricting to end gerrymandering.
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Public Campaign Financing
Explore public financing options so candidates without wealthy donors can run competitive campaigns.
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Voting Access
Protect Oregon's vote-by-mail system and automatic voter registration. Expand voting access, never restrict it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The kicker is my money. Why should the government keep it?
The kicker isn't a windfall. It's money that could fund your kids' schools, fix the roads you drive on, and prepare for the next recession. When the economy crashes, Oregon slashes services because we gave away the cushion. The question isn't whether it's "your money," but whether $200 back helps you more than functioning schools and services.
Won't property tax reform raise my taxes?
Not if we do it right. Split roll reform specifically targets commercial and industrial properties, especially those held by corporations for decades at artificially low values, while protecting homeowners, especially seniors on fixed incomes. The goal is fairness, not higher taxes on families.
Why should taxpayers fund political campaigns?
Because the alternative is what we have now: politicians beholden to wealthy donors and corporate PACs. Public financing means anyone with good ideas can run, not just those with access to rich networks. Small donor matching programs amplify grassroots support, giving power back to regular voters.
Questions or Feedback?
Have questions about Rabbi Fora's government accountability policy? Want to share your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you.
Demand Better Government
Government should work for the people, all the people. Join Rabbi Fora in building transparent, accountable leadership.