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I moved up from Southern Oregon (Grants Pass) in August of 2007 due to a serious lack of employment and deteriorating schools.  I wanted my children to have the best possible education and also for better economic opportunities for my whole family. Long story short here.  The country soon followed the way of Grants Pass regarding employment and foreclosures  ( I'm still trying to sell our house)  I obtained work last January 2009 with the state, but lost my job due to budget cuts and no seniority (I was just 3 days shy of my 6 month probation!) My wife found work as a special ed assit with McMinnville schools this last fall (where we now live), but her paycheck does not even cover our rent! 

I have been looking for almost a year now for full time employment. It is not right that working people suffer when the state cuts jobs.  When I lost my job it was made known to myself and other staff people where I worked that the governor exempted himself, his staff, and the legislature from any pay cuts!  My former boss ( who has worked for the state for almost 25 years) took a 20% pay cut as a result of a pay freeze and furlough days!

I also get very angry that people who can afford to get along perfectly well without the "kicker" refund are the loudest to scream when the talks turns to eliminating this sacred cow.  I also get mad at the rich when they squak about taxes!  It's very fair and downright logical; if you have a high income then you should pay more in taxes!  Spare me the arguments of "leaving Oregon and taking your jobs with you"   Pay your fair share or leave Oregon!  Grants Pass was infamous for having the California retirees come to this state with their suitcases full of money and then vote against every tax, or levy that was proposed to save or fund basic services for everyone i.e. schools, libraries, parks, roads, police and fire, etc.  My family and I had to deal with that attitude for eighteen years!

The Oregon legislature also needs to wake up and stop letting the rich, corporate types exploit the lenient tax systems that are in place and attempt to repeal the recent measures (67& 68) that sought reform and equity in the system.

-John

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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