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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

GOP Says 'I Told You So' After Oregon Democrats Introduce Kicker Bill

Shaundd
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tinyurl.com/jy9ukrb

Democratic Representative Tobias Read introduced a bill Thursday that would divert a potential kicker tax rebate.

It comes as the state is preparing to possibly send up to $473 million back to taxpayers. Republicans in Salem are saying "I told you so.”

In March, GOP House leader Mike McLane made a prediction during a floor speech. "The majority party wants your kicker,” he said. “Hear it clear, Oregonians. Hear it clear."

Oregon's unique kicker law refunds money to taxpayers when revenues exceed projections by more than two percent. McLane was warning taxpayers that Democrats might want to spend their tax rebates on something else.

Some lawmakers are eyeing the money as a potential source of funds for schools and state reserves.

Read's measure to hold the kicker back would require approval by two-thirds of lawmakers in each chamber.