The revenue committees normally conclude their work around the same time the Ways & Means Committee finalizes its end-of-session budgets. That is not the case this year, with the tax-writing process running in overdrive with less than 72 hours remaining in the session.
5 min read
Jun
16
Tax Insider for June 16
In the final stretch of the session, the legislature is shaking up the way tax bills move through the process, taking some of the decision-making powers away from the revenue committees and handing the keys over to the Ways & Means Committee.
4 min read
Jun
09
Tax Insider for June 9
The revenue committees are moving quickly to piece together omnibus tax bills for the session, with a few controversies coming up before they call it quits for the session.
5 min read
Jun
02
Tax Insider for June 2
The legislative committees transition to the main event of the session and present dueling proposals seeking to enhance and change the state’s tools for recruiting business investment. The final policy will likely be the last major issue for the Joint Committee on Tax Expenditures.
4 min read
May
26
Tax Insider for May 26
While the state economists are bullish on migration trends recovering, they acknowledge the economy and revenue stream will increasingly rely on the state serving as a place where businesses want to invest. The legislature is sending mixed policy signals on the future of pro-growth tax incentives.
4 min read
May
19
Tax Insider for May 19
State revenues are continuing to defy gravity, which is undoubtedly positive news for the state’s tax and fiscal outlook heading into the home stretch. Still, some lawmakers and the lobby are confused about the usable revenues for crafting the next budget.
4 min read
May
12
Tax Insider for May 12
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced a much-needed freeze in new local taxes. Will that pledge come to fruition? Advocates are asking Portland-area voters to expand income taxes on area residents. Also, the legislature is seeking to curtail property tax incentives offered by local governments.
5 min read
May
05
Tax Insider for May 5
Whenever someone proposes a new tax, the first question that should be asked is, "does the jurisdiction have the authority to impose the tax?" The answer is likely "no" in the case of Portland's new "utility" tax.
5 min read
Apr
28
Tax Insider for April 28
If the effect of a bill increases revenue, isn’t it a bill for raising revenue? The logical answer is yes, but, more often than not, the answer tends to be no.
5 min read
Apr
21
Tax Insider for April 21
Over the last decade, the Joint Committee on Tax Expenditures usually begins meeting mid-to-late May, typically after the last revenue forecast. Like much of this session, however, nothing is usual.
