Update: February 8, 2011

Oregon's Cash Assistance Program Helps Far Fewer Needy Families Than 15 Years Ago

Reel Inefficiency: Why the Legislature Should Take Advantage of Sunset and Convert the Film Production Donation Tax Credit to a Direct Spending Program

If you could buy something directly for $90, would you pay a middleman $100 to buy it for you? Of course not; it would make no sense.

But that is, in essence, how Oregon subsidizes film production in the state. Through the Film Production Donation Tax Credit, Oregon pays a $100 to a small, fortunate group of taxpayers for every $90 to $95 that they donate to a film production fund. The fund then subsidizes the filmmakers.

The inherent inefficiency in the current film production tax credit scheme -- let alone the 167 percent expansion that Governor Kitzhaber is proposing -- is one that the state can ill afford, as it faces a large revenue shortfall.

With the tax credit program set to expire this year, this is an opportune time for the legislature to fix the inefficiency by changing the funding for the program from a tax credit to a direct appropriation.

Read the issue brief Read Reel Inefficiency: Why the Legislature Should Take Advantage of Sunset and Convert the Film Production Donation Tax Credit to a Direct Spending Program. Click here for a PDF copy.

Still Time to Tell Legislature to Have a Heart

Oregon Thrives is having their lobby day on Monday, February 14, 2011, in Salem at the State Capitol. Have a Heart Day (flyer) is an opportunity for you talk to legislators about how to help all Oregonians thrive.

Oregon Thrives is a coalition of organizations and agencies working to create healthy and prosperous communities where everyone has access to jobs, education, nutritious food, stable homes and services that protect and promote health and wellness.

Have a Heart Day is Monday, February 14, 2011, starting at 8:00 a.m.

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Alison at Neighborhood Partnerships: email amcintosh@neighborhoodpartnerships.org or call 503.226.3001 x107. If you need a ride to Salem, let Alison know. Oregon Thrives is working with partners statewide to get everyone to Salem.