News From The Capitol

GOOD NEWS FOR DISTRICT SCHOOLS!

This morning, Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis released its quarterly revenue forecast and presented their findings to the Oregon Legislature. I’m thrilled to say that this forecast brought some very welcome news for Oregon’s schools: improvements in local property tax estimates mean that Oregon schools will receive almost $100 million in additional funding  next year. This means that Senate District 5 Schools will receive additional funds ( see chart below) that will help reduce class sizes, stop teacher layoffs, and return lost school days. I’m glad to say that this new funding adds to the $1 billion reinvestment the Oregon Legislature made our schools in 2013.

 Additional Funding for 2014-15 ($)

Lincoln                  524,572
Nestucca Valley        57,634
Sheridan                107,468
Willamina                 84,291
Falls City                 24,457
Mapleton                 27,199 
Siuslaw                  130,888
Blachly                    36,301
Reedsport               64,433                                         
Junction City          167,380
North Bend            406,532
Coos Bay              295,090
Dallas                   314,455
Tillamook              193,318
 
Job growth is another policy area I’m always focused on. Just last month, I learned that Oregon had the third-fastest rate for job growth of any state in the nation. But we can do more to accelerate the creation of family-wage jobs in both urban and rural communities. Oregon’s steady economic growth is expected to continue through the rest of the 2013-15 biennium, which means continued job growth around the state.

In Oregon we’re working together to find common ground and move our state forward. We still have work to do, and I’m hard at work this session with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fund schools and help small businesses expand job training programs so more people can get back to work.

 Constituents to Use IRS Free File for Online Tax Assistance & E-Filing 

Taxpayers Making $58,000 or Less Can Visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to Prepare and E-File Federal Tax Returns with Free Software & Step-by-Step Help 

Salem, Oregon– Senator Roblan today encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the Free File program. Every taxpayer with a 2013 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

Free File is made possible through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies. Since its inception in 2003, the program has offered 70 percent of taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software from Free File Alliance member companies. Free File has already saved taxpayers an estimated $1.2 billion in filing costs.

“I encourage everyone making $58,000 or less to visit www.IRS.gov/freefile and take advantage of the free tax services available from the IRS and Free File Alliance,” said Senator Roblan. 

IRS Free File is available at www.IRS.gov/freefile, which provides a list of Free File Alliance member companies and their free tax software offerings. Users may either choose the company that fits their needs or utilize the “Help Me Find Free File Software” tool. After selecting a company, users will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish.

“Free File makes tax time simple, fast and free for 70 percent of Americans,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “Since 2003, the Free File Alliance has partnered with the IRS to give taxpayers access to leading online tax preparation software and critical step-by-step support. This year, we invite every taxpayer making $58,000 or less to join the 40 million Americans who have already saved time and money by using Free File.”

About the Free File Alliance

The Free File Alliance, a coalition of 14 industry-leading tax software companies, has partnered with the IRS since 2003 to help low and middle-income Americans prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns online. The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of Americans free access to the industry’s top online tax preparation software. About 40 million returns have been filed through Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.

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Please contact my office with your ideas, priorities and concerns. I’m always eager to hear from you!

You can keep in touch with my office by following my Facebook page, by emailing us at Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us, or calling us at the State Capitol, at (503) 986-1705.

Sincerely,

Oregon State Senator

Senate District 5

503-986-1705