Medford, Ore., — “It’s every money we can find is revenue.” said State Senator, Alan Deboer.
The Oregon Revenue Forecast is out, and the news is good.
The forecast shows the state bringing in more taxes than expected, which means the budget shortfall could drop from from 1.8 billion to 1.6 billion.
While any little bit helps, state leaders still have their work cut out for them.
First time State Senator, Alan Deboer says filling the budget gap comes down to an age old question.
“Do we expand government and expand taxes, or do we go in and try and streamline the delivery of the process?” said Deboer.
While Deboer wants to streamline, Governor Kate Brown is suggesting a different tactic.
She came out with a proposed budget in December that includes a mix of cuts and tax increases.
“Everything we’re trying to do with taxes is meaning more revenue to the state and we have to be careful, we can’t grow government past the ability of our citizens to pay for it.” said Deboer.
One of those tax increases – alcohol.
Wine tax would go up two cents per gallon, and distilled spirits – one dollar per bottle.
One local bar manager says the tax wouldn’t affect his business too much.
“If you’re looking at almost doubling the liquor cost, then really, I’m only accounting for that extra 50 cents really per bottle, so it doesn’t really affect our sales point.” said Jarrod Spencer, Manager at 4 Daughters Irish Pub in Medford.
It could affect customers, but Spencer doesn’t think that would make too much of a difference either.
“I don’t think they’d notice too terribly much, people are gonna drink and taxes have to be made.” said Spencer.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.