Update: January 25, 2011

Respect Oregonians' Historic "Yes" Vote

A year ago Oregonians glowed under the national spotlight. Facing a severe fiscal crisis brought on by the recession, Oregonians voted for a modest tax increase on the wealthiest households and corporations to help protect our schools, our health and human services and our public safety system.

But as the anniversary of the historic vote arrives, efforts are underway to undermine the will of Oregon's voters. Some lawmakers have introduced bills that completely undo or chip away at Measures 66 and 67. And that's why Oregonians must once again raise their voices in defense of the public structures that we value.

Read the CenterPoints column Respect Oregonians' Historic "Yes" Vote.

Feds Issue 2011 Poverty Level

The federal government has released the 2011 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, better known as the "federal poverty level." Oregon uses the guidelines to determine eligibility for some public assistance programs, such as the Oregon Health Plan. See the new guidelines at OCPP's page What Is Poverty?

How far below is the federal poverty level from where the typical Oregonian stands?

OCPP has updated its chart HUD Median Income Limits for Oregon Compared to Poverty Income. It compares the 2011 poverty level to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) 2010 family income limits (HUD's 2011 limits are not available yet).

HUD income limits, which are calculated for metropolitan areas and counties in Oregon as well as the state as a whole, establish eligibility for a variety of housing programs. The table thus shows the maximum income that families of various sizes can have and still qualify for various housing programs. It also shows how far below this level officially poor families are.

EITC by the Numbers in Your District

Lawmakers may know that Oregon's Earned Income Tax Credit is the most targeted way to improve the tax system for working families with children, but do they know just how many of their constituents benefit from it? Do they know how much money the state EITC brings to their district?

OCPP has updated its fact sheet for each district of the Oregon House and Senate detailing the impact of the EITC (PDF).

The fact sheets also explain why the tax credit would work better for low-income working families if the legislature were to increase it to at least 18 percent of the federal credit. Oregonians for Working Families, a statewide coalition, is asking the 2011 legislature to enact such an increase.