Human Services Programs Held Hostage for Tax Increases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 4/3/2009 by Oregon House Republicans - SALEM—House Republicans today said state leaders are threatening to slash programs for low-income Oregonians if massive tax increases are not passed this session. The proposals include:

• Eliminating OHP Standard coverage for 28,000 Oregonians if the Legislature doesn’t pass an increased provider tax on Oregon hospitals.
• Eliminating OHP prescription drug coverage for adult clients if the Legislature doesn’t approve $110 million in tax increases on smokers and health care providers.
• Implementing an 83 percent cut to community alcohol and drug treatment if the Legislature doesn’t approve a beer tax increase.

“This budget approach demonstrates Salem politics at its worst,” said Rep. Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point). “Holding human services programs as ransom for tax increases- while holding other programs and agencies harmless- is a violation of public trust. It’s wrong to make pawns of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens.” Read more here...