 |
Northwest Reading |
The Independent Party of Oregon recently polled members on a variety of issues, and released the results this week. From their statement on the polling results, in a party very roughly positioned between Democratic and Republican:
82% agreed that "The cost of PERS exceeds the state's ability to pay and should be reformed to reduce expenses."
A majority supported each of the reforms contained in the Oregon School Boards Association Proposal for PERS reform. The most favored reform was stopping payments to out of state retirees to cover their Oregon state taxes that they do not actually pay.
A majority did not support "rate collaring" as a means of reducing PERS costs.
Only 11% thought that PERS reform was not needed.
Only 6% stated they were "willing to pay more in taxes in order to protect retirement benefits for state workers."
76% favored reducing tax breaks for wealthy individuals.
69% favored reducing tax breaks for corporations.
50.0% favored capping at $30,000 per person the income tax deductions and credits claimed on state income tax returns.
No other proposals for cutting costs or increasing revenues earned majority approval.
The most popular potential additional tax was a sales tax (38% approved), while increases in income taxes and property taxes were highly disfavored.
IPO Members strongly support consumer protection & economic development legislation.
89% opposed a 2011 law that repealed a 2005 statute prohibiting private utilities (like PGE) from charging ratepayers for "income taxes" that the utilities actually do not pay.
Large majorities favored legislation intended to protect consumers from unfair practices and greater public review of health insurance rate hikes.
Large majorities approved awarding government contracts under rules giving preference to Oregon-based companies and providing tax credits for capital construction in Oregon for companies that hire new Oregon workers
50% approved of automatically registering to vote all persons who prove their U.S. citizenship and Oregon residency to government agencies, such as DMV.
Increased spending on transportation infrastructure received only 45% approval. IPO Members strongly support opening Oregon's primary election to all minor parties.
98% agreed that Oregon should allow minor parties to participate in the state's primary election instead of being compelled to conduct their own primary elections or caucuses.