Legislature should be disciplined on tax breaks: Agenda 2013
(Address Oregon's tax structure)  The Oregonian Editorial Board
By The Oregonian Editorial Board The Oregonian Email the author
| Follow on Twitter on February 05, 2013 at 5:12 PM, updated
February 05, 2013 at 9:21 PM vicki berger.JPG View full size
Rep. Vicki Berger, R.-Salem.   The 2013 Oregon Legislature
convened this week intent on looking under every rock in search
of money to fund schools and other public services. The most
tempting rocks in the legislative quarry are the ones labeled
tax exemption.  Exposing tax exemptions to the light of public
debate is a good exercise. As recent experience with tax credits
shows, closely examining tax breaks on a regular basis helps
ensure that taxpayer money is directed where it can do the most
good. And, if nothing else, winnowing exemptions could help
simplify the state's tax system.  Agenda 2013   Address Oregon's
tax structure  Grow jobs and income  Improve educational funding
and function  Build the