By using a budget gimmick, the politicians have found a way to rob nearly $15 million of your Kicker Income Tax Refund. The voter-approved Constitutional Kicker law returns over-collected surplus tax revenue back to taxpayers who paid it. Sb 846 helps to change the date of government transfers so a current budget surplus shows up in the next budget — thus causing the surplus tax funds to disappear allowing the politicians to keep the $15 million.
It is all happening behind closed doors because the politicians and the State Capitol staffers are not being open and 100% honest on what the bill does. The Bend Bulletin explains:
“But if you don’t know what the Legislature is talking about it’s hard to voice your opinion. Consider Courtney’s Senate Bill 846. It is a model of translucency, not transparency. The bill shifts money around. It also potentially reduces the kicker tax refund. Does the language of the bill clearly state that it potentially reduces the kicker? No. Does it even mention the kicker? No…Look, legislators need to be able to move money around, such as in this bill. They need to be able to balance the budget and line money up how they want to spend it. They also should be transparent about what they are doing and clearly state in a bill if it would reduce the kicker.”
WORDING OF THE ACTUAL BILL
81st OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY–2021 Regular Session Senate Bill 846 Sponsored by Senator COURTNEY SUMMARY The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the measure as introduced. Directs State Treasurer to study and make recommendations regarding improvements to state financial administration. Requires State Treasurer to submit report on findings by January 1, 2023. A BILL FOR AN ACT Relating to state financial administration. Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon: SECTION 1. (1) The State Treasurer shall study and make recommendations regarding improvements to state financial administration. (2) The State Treasurer shall submit a report on the State Treasurer’s findings to an appropriate committee of the Legislative Assembly no later than January 1, 2023.
Contact your State Senator’s.
Senator Jeff Merkley 202-224-3753 https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact
Senator Ron Wyden 202-224-5244 https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/email-ron