Salem-News.com Taxes articles

Coalition of Industry and Business Groups Protest Oregon Tax Changes

The measures are supported by Defend Oregon, which warns that the measures’ defeat could mean deep cuts in education. Proponents say the ballot measures are aimed at helping to stave off in future economic downturns the type of deep funding cuts lawmakers have had to make in the past.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Supreme Court has slightly changed ballot language for ballot measures to raise $733 million from businesses and wealthy Oregonians.

Measure 66 and Measure 67 will be on Oregon’s statewide ballot in a Jan. 26 special election.

U.S. Close to Selling Israel 25 New $100 Million Jet Fighters

Israel is moving closer to acquiring F-35B stealth fighter jets from the United States.

(TEHRAN) - The Israeli Air Force recently submitted an official Letter of Request (LOR) to the Pentagon to purchase its first squadron of 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Israeli defense officials say that negotiations regarding the final price of the plane -- estimated at around $100 million -- as well as the integration of Israeli systems would continue.

Op Ed: NO `Free Lunch`
Change Process
Demands Support

Part one is a special two-part series: American “Exceptionalism” Recognizes Realities NOW.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Last words one will ever hear from this bunch of ”politicians” performing like career-disappointed actors is “Tax Increase”.

We’ve already had proof of where and to what that can lead... It’s so damned politically-comforting --AND crisis concealing !!-- never, ever to find oneself forced into that painfully unavoidable reality:

Tax Policy: Measures 66 & 67

This is a companion piece to “Tax Policy: History & Ethics of Taxation.”

(EUGENE, Ore.) - In this piece I will look at the practical economic ramifications of the tax increases being put before the voters in the 2010 ballot measures 66 & 67. The vote is a long way off, but there is no reason to not begin considering these issues now.

As the vote approaches, you will increasingly be inundated with propaganda on one side or the other of this issue. It is worthwhile to prepare yourself with a solid understanding of the issue before you are subjected to the sales pitches of various self-interested parties.

Caltrans Stimulus Paving Project in Laguna Beach Pollutes Air and Sea

"Oh, Mr. Caltrans: Thank you sir, may I have another?" or "Christmas in November: Thank You Santa Caltrans!"

(LAGUNA BEACH) - The federally funded Obama stimulus paving project by State highway agency Caltrans in Laguna Beach constitutes cruel and unusual environmental punishment.

This fiasco of this pitiful paving effort by the ironically-named All-American Asphalt has slipped into Twilight Zone mode.

Tax Policy: History & Ethics of Taxation

Taxation is a major part of the budget for any individual or business. Looking at this issue with clarity is essential to your financial well being.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Taxes are a source of perennial angst for most citizens. Most people believe that they are being taxed unfairly, and most of them are probably right. Historically, taxation has frequently been a source of injustice.

In European history, the landless population, who were treated as slaves, paid taxes in the form of produce from the land to lords, monarchs, and the church. This system was kept in place through brutal repression, enforced illiteracy and cultural destruction. Conscription of the male population for various wars, which was another form of taxation, was a convenient way of culling the population and eliminating any potential resistance before it could start.

Merkley: GDP Growth a Good Sign for Economy but Focus Must Remain on Job Creation

"For millions of Americans, this recession won’t be over until new businesses can open their doors and existing businesses can expand and create new jobs" -Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has contributed between three and four percentage points to GDP growth. But Senator Jeff Merkley says the effort is far from being complete.

"I’m gratified that after a year of economic decline, the economy is finally growing again. However, GDP growth is not our measure of success, the creation of good jobs at good wages is..."

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Progress Encouraging

CEA Chair Christina Romer comments on the emerging GDP numbers.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - CEA Chair Christina Romer says data released today by the Commerce Department show that real GDP grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in the third quarter of the year.

"This is in stark contrast to the decline of 6.4 percent annual rate just two quarters ago. Indeed, the two-quarter swing in the rate of growth of 9.9 percentage points was the largest since 1980."

Oregon Law Enforcement Wins $31 Million in Federal Stimulus Grants

Oregon law enforcement coalition wins federal stimulus grant money for additional police officers, prosecutors and crime victims’ services.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A new coalition of Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, district attorneys, sheriffs, police chiefs and victims’ advocates has won a total of $31 million in federal public safety grants from the federal government.

“Thanks to the work of the coalition, law enforcement in Oregon is in a better position to protect the public,” said Attorney General Kroger.

Eight Years of U.S. War in Afghanistan: The Dollars Add Up (PHOTOS)

With the passage of the FY 2010 Department of Defense budget, total U.S. spending for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will exceed $1 trillion by March of next year.

(NORTHAMPTON, Mass.) - October 7, 2009 marks the eighth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan.

National Priorities Project (NPP) analysts find that, to date, U.S. military operations in Afghanistan have cost U.S. taxpayers $228 billion, $60.2 billion of which was spent in FY 2009 alone.