The following is from Senator Jason A. Atkinson’s June Newsletter.

Senate Republicans released their own budget proposal, the Back to Basics Budget.  The Back to Basics budget fully funds education, humane services, and public safety, and leaves a significant amount left in state reserves, and allows for legislative add-backs after the three most essential functions of government are funded.  It does all of this without raising taxes on Oregon families.

For more information, go to www.backtobasicsbudget.com.  There, you can find the Republican recommended budget, along with the Top Ten Truths about the Oregon Budget.  The Top Ten Truths are a 10-day series of truths about the Oregon budget; here you can find Truths #8, #9, and #10.

Atkinson Works to Eliminate Taxes on Unemployment

Senator Atkinson’s bill to eliminate taxes on unemployment benefits is (SB 975).
The Unemployment Insurance system is fairly simple, and there are specific requirements as to who qualifies for and who pays for unemployment benefits.  First, Unemployment Insurance is a 100% employer paid system. Taxes taken from workers’ paychecks do not go towards unemployment system.
Senator Atkinson believes that for those individuals, many of whom are unemployed for the first time in their lives, should not be taxed in this economy when they are trying to get back on their feet.  Currently in the House, Senator Atkinson’s idea of not taxing unemployment benefits has been proposed in the -4 amendments to House Bill 2649.  What this means is that should the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education adopt the -4 amendments, then the goal of SB 975 would effectively become part of HB 2649.

Atkinson Votes Against Vehicle Tax Increases