GOP senator’s goal: Kick ‘kicker’ to kids in classrooms

Senate Republican Deputy Leader Sen. Alan DeBoer of Ashland introduced legislation Friday to refer to Oregonians a constitutional amendment that would directly kick the income tax refund “kicker” to kids in the classroom.

DeBoer said he has support from both sides of the aisle and released the following statement:

“The future of Oregon depends on our kids getting the best education possible. There exists no better economic development strategy than good schools.”

Every two years, state economists estimate how much tax revenue Oregon will collect through taxing personal income, estate taxes, and more. These estimates are needed for the two-year budget cycle in Oregon.

Under the constitutional “kicker” law, if Oregon collects 2 percent more than was estimated, taxpayers receive a refund of the extra funds. If the state collected four percent more than estimated, for example, taxpayers receive that entire four percent amount in the form of tax credits.

DeBoer’s constitutional amendment establishes the Personal Investment in Education (PIE) Fund, which will divert the kicker into a K-12 fund. The funds will be directly spent on student education.

Any appropriation of the money must be made by a 3/5 vote, like what is required to enact taxes.

If the bill passes and is signed into law, DeBoer’s constitutional amendment will be sent to voters next May in what would be a “special election” held throughout this state on the same date as the primary election.