A Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, Ag Overtime Tax Credit

Happy Thanksgiving. Following is President George Washington's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation written in 1789. Perhaps you might share it with others by reading it as you gather around the Thanksgiving table later today. It is always good to understand our history.

Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Ag Overtime Tax Credit

In 2022, the state legislature passed a new law concerning how overtime was to be paid for agricultural work. This new law increased expenses for many agricultural related businesses. To help compensate for the additional expense, an Ag-Overtime Tax Credit was also created. Below is a note from Oregon's Department of Revenue how to claim this tax credit. (Please know I voted NO on this new law to create these additional expenses.)

The Oregon Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers who plan to apply for the new Agriculture Employer Overtime Tax Credit that they need to set up a Revenue Online account soon.

Taxpayers who want to apply for the tax credit need to have a Revenue Online account prior to filling out an application. Applications must be filed electronically and will be available by January 1, 2024. No paper applications will be accepted. The application window closes January 31, 2024.

The Oregon Legislature approved House Bill (HB) 4002 in 2022. The measure requires agricultural employers to pay certain workers for overtime hours worked and creates a refundable personal or corporate income tax credit for employers for a percentage of wages paid as overtime pay, starting with the 2023 tax year.

The department provides a YouTube video about how to set up and log in to your Revenue Online account. Details about the tax credit program are available at this website. For general questions about the employer tax credit for agricultural worker overtime, email: Ag.Overtime@dor.oregon.gov

Best regards,

E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District

Capitol Phone 
(503) 986-1455

Capitol Address 
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301

Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov

Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke