The "tax the tourists" argument is indeed silly. Only about 4% of sales tax dollars would come from non-Oregonians.

"The 'tax the tourists' argument is indeed silly. Only about 4% of sales tax dollars would come from non-Oregonians."

Excellent.

Very excellent point!

Sales taxes are the most regressive form of tax.

And Kitzhaber calls himself a liberal.

Governor Kitzhaber just wants more money.

What about policies which unshakle small and medium sized business so that businesses generate more tax revenue?

This is the opening salvo in getting more money from the People of the State of Oregon without having the policies which encourage the economy to grow?

So, Governor Kitzhaber has implicitly admitted he has no ideas to grow the economy, just schemes & stratagems to keep government growing in the midst of a flat and stagnant economy.

Pathetic.

... but if you take into account the absence of a retail sales tax, Portland jumps up to being one of the best cities when it comes to taxing travelers.

Cue the news leak about Samdy's proposal for a new tourist tax increase. Followed shortly by Nick Fish saying he's in favor. The City Council will take 10 minutes of public comment before voting next Wednesday.

The "tax the tourists" proponents incorrectly assume that all tourists come from other states. Actually, 55% of visitors to Oregon who stay one or more nights come from Oregon, according to the most recent study available from the State Tourism Commission. So a statewide sales tax is not a way to tax those freeloading Californians and Washingtonians, but a way to tax Astorians in Ashland and Portlanders in Port Orford.

http://industry.traveloregon.com/upload/otc/departments/tourismdevelopment/oregon2009statereportjan27updatewithnational.pdf

Kiplinger: Oregon #7 in Top 10 "Least Tax-Friendly" State for Retirees
http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/TaxUnfriendlyStatesRetirees/1.html

I think we are in so much financial trouble that every money making scheme is being brought to the table, and as far as the city goes,that council does just about anything they want to. Only takes three votes and they are so in sync with each other. There is no financial prudence, one bond after another and more debt. I am concerned that our assets/livability here are being sold down the river in exchange for who knows what next?

Here is another money making idea.
Pay a fee and then if not within 30 days, fines that increase.....
In my opinion, the noose is tightening on the citizenry.
I can go along with property that is junky and dangerous to be cleaned,
but any and all vacant lots?
What is the fee?

From the Desk of
Mayor Sam Adams

Vacant, Abandoned and/or Distressed Property on your Street? We Need Your Help

This is why we have created the Vacant Properties Resolution. This resolution would dramatically help by creating a mandatory online registration system for abandoned or vacant property owners. This system would ensure that public officials know how to contact the owners and require them to take responsibility. Property owners would have to pay a fee and register full contact information for any and all vacant, abandoned, or distressed properties. Failure to register a property within 30 days would result in a series of tiered fines that increase with multiple violations.

The cost to run a sales tax (both from the Dept. of revenue AND from retailers) are not insignificant and they outweigh what little tourists would pay.

That old "tax the other guy" think is easy to get traction with. It just doesn't work out.

I don't know how much it might help, but not voting for Democrats could do some good.

handing tax dollars out to its friends left and right.

You do realize this is the mission of government?

Ohh if only the USSR would have had better leadership they wouldn't have had the genocide of over 25,000,000 people.

And, once those "Abandoned and/or Distressed" properties rack up a few bucks in city fines, then comes the lien, and then the foreclosure and seizure of the properties, which they they sell off at sweetheart prices to their insider friends....

A government-sponsored scam that's been taking the country by storm since the "downturn."

Tax Lien Sales: The 'Other' Foreclosure Problem Plagues Elderly Homeowners
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/tax-lien-sales-plague-homeowners/story?id=16755196#.UFKsRI7A6fQ

The Other Foreclosure Menace
Huffington Post Investigative Fund Fred Schulte, Ben Protess and Lagan Sebert
Updated: 05/25/11 05:30 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/18/the-other-foreclosure-men_n_579936.html

Mojo,
I wondered about where this might lead, and asking people to report vacant lots, might be a good way to get more properties in line for....
Quite frankly, I have come to realize that these plans/motives need to be questioned. Sadly there is no trust left...
and I might add not much decency towards human beings caught in a system, a downward spiral not of their own making.
In my opinion, those who bring about these plans have no conscience, no empathy, there is a name for these types?

Cue the news leak about Samdy's proposal for a new tourist tax increase. Followed shortly by Nick Fish saying he's in favor.

Fish going along again!!