Portlanders resist major land-use changes!!

Not everyone thinks the land-use"grand bargain” approved by the 2014 Legislature is so grand. A compromise that resolved land-use planning problems in Washington County was hailed as one of the major accomplishments of the season that adjourned on March 7. It was supported by elected officials, developers, environmentalists and farmers to end the uncertainty created when the Oregon Court of Appeals rejected Metro’s 50-year plan for future growth and conservation in the region. But Jim Standring and Sandy Baker say the agreement does not meet their needs. Both of them had filed legal challenges in the appeals court to be allowed to subdivide their land. Standring owns 70 acres of farmland in unincorporated Washington County that he wants to develop as residential property. It is at the northwest corner of the Sunset Highway and Helvetia Road. Although Metro had designated the property for future development, the grand bargain prevents that from happening for the foreseeable future."I bought that property in 1993 because I knew it was situated for future development. It’s right along the freeway and is already served by utilities,” says Standring, a homebuilder who denounces the grand bargain as"an ill-conceived plan.”
www.pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/214155-72153-portla...anges

Last minute tax sneak attack on small Business!!

SB 1534-B has been amended to increase taxes on small business by changing the out-of-state income rates for business. Not only is this a back-door tax but a paperwork nightmare for businesses who would have to identify the geographic location of their income with some income being taxed differently. Do you know which of your customers come from Vancouver versus Portland? The fact that this is happening during the last few days (or hours) of Session means there is a real-life risk of a swift tax attack on Oregon business to steal away their tax relief set by the 2013 Legislature. This tax would help boost government coffers (maybe to fund their 13% growth and $11 billion PERS crisis). David Gomberg tried a few weeks ago to hit small business with a tax increase with his bill HB 4067. Gomberg’s tax plans may succeed in a different form with SB 1534-B.
There has been a lot of discussion during the Oregon Legislative Session to make friendly and small logistical changes to the"Grand Bargain” which passed in October 2013. For the tax lobby, that opportunity has created a window to sneak in a tax increase. SB 1534-B is that tax. Knowing that we are at the end of Session means that such taxes may be passed with as little public notice or involvement as possible.
If you care call your lawmaker ASAP :
Tell them to vote NO on any surprise tax increases on SB 1534!
1-800-332-2313 — Toll Free Legislative Call #
oregoncatalyst.com/26700-sb-1534-minute-tax-sneak-...alyst)