Much media attention was given to the recent "tax reform" conference featuring the bogus taxpayer and smaller government advocate Bill Sizemore. I can personally guarantee that one taxpayer reform was not even discussed: indexing of the Oregon tax rates and adjustment of tax brackets and deductions to reflect changes in earnings and cost of living since the mid 70s. We did it for federal taxes under the spendthrift Reagan administration in the early 80s, but Oregon political leaders have found the "bracket creep" which places more of the tax burden on low and middle income taxpayers very convenient politically. Without having to vote for tax increases these demagogues have all sorts of money for their big government agendas - while still masquerading as "smaller government" advocates. Considering how our state representative Lane Shetterly has supported EVERY significant mass incarceration measure and most other measures that put government on the back of all citizens - except for the ones who can make $1,000 campaign contributions of course - I find his masquerade as a "friend of the taxpayer" ridiculous. I can also personally guarantee that he has yet to propose the type of real tax reform that working people in Oregon need - nor will he if the voters are gullible enough to reelect him. Now, if he had to run against a real friend of the taxpayer....
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10/29/97
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