As Oregon Trails has reported for several weeks, state tax reform has been an ongoing topic of discussion within a small group of legislators skilled in revenue matters. This group has constructed a framework for reform of the business tax system and begun filling in details. Property tax reform, of critical importance to local governments, has been broached, as well, but for the moment set aside until there is a clear sense of what is possible to close the gap on state resources for the 2017-19 biennium.

Now the discussions will be more open and involve a wider group of legislators.

Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek on April 26 appointed the Joint Committee on Tax Reform. The committee intends to meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, and of course will be closely followed by AOC.

Here are the members:
Senators Mark Hass (Co-Chair); Brian Boquist (Co-Vice Chair); Herman Baertschiger; Chuck Riley; and Kathleen Taylor. Representatives Phil Barnhart (Co-Chair); Cliff Bentz (Co-Vice Chair); Barbara Smith Warner (Co-Vice Chair); Knute Buehler; Diego Hernandez; Mark Johnson; Pam Marsh; Rob Nosse; and Greg Smith.

Contributed by: Gil Riddell | AOC Policy Director