Today, the Co-Chairs of the Legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee released a budget that should be a wake-up call. Without new revenue, families across the state will face deep cuts to services they rely on. Just how bad is it?
- Hundreds of thousands could lose their access to the Oregon Health Plan
- Even more could lose coverage for dozens of serious medical conditions
- Oregon class sizes, already the 3rd largest in the nation, will continue to grow
The newest round of cuts are painful and yet another reminder of the choice Oregon leaders face: Either we ask corporations that currently pay the lowest taxes in the country to finally pay their fair share, or Oregon families will continue to struggle. Holding large, out-of-state corporations accountable has never been more important. The recent actions of President-elect Trump and Congressional Republicans make this a choice we can’t postpone.
If corporations pay their fair share in taxes, Oregon’s future is bright. We can invest in programs that work. We can offer Oregon students classes that keep them engaged and help them to graduate on time. We can ensure that Oregon seniors don’t live in poverty. We can expand healthcare access to all Oregonians and reduce the cost of childcare.
If we allow corporations to continue to pay the lowest taxes in the country, we will have to piece together budgets on the backs of students, teachers, parents, seniors, and families. That means cuts to schools, healthcare, and family services that are already woefully underfunded. The recent actions of President-elect Trump and Congressional Republicans make this a choice we can’t postpone. We can’t allow large and out-of-state corporations to shortchange Oregon families any longer.
As we head into this legislative session, we need to push Oregon’s leaders to make the right choice, and we need your help. Together we can finally hold corporations accountable and invest in Oregon families. Tell your legislator today that it’s time for a better Oregon.
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