Jackson County Democrats

  There was never a more urgent time to organize.
 
Thank you to those who have already committed to attending the Chapter Kick-off on May 31st. For those who have not yet made that pledge, please do so now, AND commit to bring ONE friend with you to the Stand For Children event on Sunday May 31rst, 2-3 PM. Santo Community Center 701 N. Columbus Ave. Medford. (see details).

Oregon's Ways and Means co-chairs released their budget proposal this week including $2.0 billion in cuts to vital services. The fallout is severe. Central Point SD is recommending a 4 day school week which will cut 19 days.  Phoenix Talent is eliminating 45 positions including elementary music, and a principal.  Medford is proposing eliminating 35 teaching positions, elimination of at least half of middle school sports and elementary music.

But wait, there's more. That same budget included $800 million in new revenue from raising the corporate minimum and a personal income tax surcharge on couples with net income over $250,000 (individuals over $125,000). Anti-tax groups are poised to gather signatures and force both of these measures to a November vote. While the legislature is smartly crafting measures which provide tax relief for middle class, and target the most prosperous taxpayers during this recession, tax votes are never easy. If these measures fail, that's another $800 million in cuts.

 
And the final straw: Oregon's insane kicker law could actually result in kicker checks going out for the 2009-2011 biennium if the actual revenues exceed the forecast used in the budget. Keep in mind the forecast was made last week also, at the bottom of what appears to be the trough of our current recession. Can you imagine kicker checks after all these cuts?
 
Again, there was never a more urgent time to organize.
Please attend the Stand For Children event on Sunday May 31rst, 2-3 PM. Santo Community Center 701 N. Columbus Ave. Medford. (see details).