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Current Issues
A Letter to Albany Area Chamber Members
To Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Members:
Sometimes I get asked why I believe so passionately in supporting business, business owners, and the jobs they create. Why the Albany Area Chamber works so hard to help business succeed and stands up for the right legislation and rules, the right people representing us in elected positions, and bringing good jobs and economic stability to our area.
The answer is actually quite simple. You risk everything – without any guarantee of personal income or job security, work countless hours, save for your own personal retirement and provide for others, create jobs, pay taxes: payroll, corporate, personal property taxes, property taxes, the new gross receipts tax, health insurance premiums (if you are still able to offer employee health care benefits) and more. Two years ago, you gave up the Corporate Kicker to "ensure a rainy day fund for stable education in Oregon". All the while, you find ways to support local charities and schools with your dollars. You give of your time (and often your employees) and leadership in our community for non-profits, schools, etc. You make positive things happen. THANK YOU!
The results of Measures 66 & 67 passing will soon be clear. Another band-aid has been applied with real, hard, and true consequences. Nothing has been solved, no long term strategies for tax reform have been considered, no compromise between different parties and elected officials has been reached. So soon we will be here again. In one short year, they will be facing an immediate $475 million short fall because the one-time Federal Stimulus dollars will be gone, PERS financial obligations will continue to erode financially at schools and governments, and fewer businesses will be left to help pay the way.
My promise to you. We will continue to passionately support business, jobs and the community. We will continue to offer solutions, have conversations, and work with our legislators to encourage real leadership to complete tax reform in Oregon. Some day, it will happen!
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