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A wave of Common Sense is sweeping across the country. After four years away from office, Donald Trump has seemingly strengthened his resolve to Make America Great Again.
However, here in Oregon, we seem to be stuck in the past, not realizing the opportunities before us. Oregon’s State government seems to be led by those who are comfortable doing things the way they’ve been done for the past 20 years. The only real change that seems visible is the growth of state government.
While Oregon’s population has grown roughly 20% over the past two decades, state government’s budget has grown close to 300%! Yet when Oregonians are asked if the state is on the right track or wrong track, a majority of Oregonians say we are on the wrong track. It certainly does not seem like government raising taxes to spend more money is the answer to Oregon’s problems.
Whether one looks at our business climate, education, public safety or roads, Oregon is falling behind. What’s worse, Democrats in charge of both legislative and executive policies think higher taxes and more government programs is the right prescription to get Oregon back on track. Yet, doing more of what has already been done hasn’t work, isn’t working and won’t work.
So, What’s The Answer?
Here are four common sense things the Legislature could do to quickly put Oregon back on the right track:
1. Repeal Oregon’s Sanctuary State Policy. I have introduced HB 2191 to do just that. Since Oregon’s Sanctuary laws were enacted, your state government has spent billions of dollars on “welcoming” illegal aliens to Oregon. From free education, to in-state tuition; from rental assistance to free healthcare. These tax dollars could have been used to help the working poor, make schools better, neighborhoods safer and improved our transportation system.
Instead, Democrats are going further by introducing bills to raise gas taxes and spend millions more to offer legal assistance and expand food stamp benefits for illegal aliens.
2. Reform Oregon’s Education System. Parents ought to be in the driver’s seat deciding what school or education program best meets the needs of their child, not the state and a zip code. Moreover, the reporting requirements to the state for alternative education choices are cumbersome. Therefore I introduced HB 2187 to help lessen the regulatory and reporting burden of home school parents.
On the other hand Governor Kotek is publicaly expressing support of spending $100’s of millions more on our failing public education system without major reforms.
3. Lower Taxes, Don’t Raise Them. High taxes are one of the main reasons that everything is so expensive in Oregon. I am currently drafting legislation that will increase Oregon’s personal standard income tax deduction and that creates a fairer tax rate structure. With Oregon’s current tax system, over 70% of Oregonians end up paying the 2nd highest rate! I am also fighting to block, stop and blunt any efforts to add new or increase taxes.
In contrast, Democrats are introducing bills to study removing property tax limits (Ballot Measures 5 & 50) as well as eliminate Oregon’s extremely popular tax refund: The Kicker.
4. Only Citizens Can Vote. I joined Representatives Yunker and Diehl on HB 2444 to ensure only citizens are allowed to vote in Oregon. This bill removes any ambiguity, making it crystal clear, that only citizens can register and vote in Oregon.
Meanwhile, Democrats are sponsoring HB 3012. This bill allows those 16 & 17 years old to vote in school board elections.
These four common sense ideas would not require Oregonians to pay any more in taxes but instead bring affordability, excellence and opportunity back to Oregon. Unfortunately, all of these policies are met with stiff resistance by Democrats in the Governor’s office and your Legislature.
Your voice matters in getting Oregon back on the right track. Please let our office know if you are interested in joining The Common Sense Revolution. Together, with steadfastness and courage, we can do the seemingly impossible.
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance with a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
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
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