Wealthy should help fill budget deficit
I am outraged! The Legislature is about to dismantle the Oregon Health Plan, reduce K-12 schools another $1 billion, and there will be a $31.3 million cut from public safety.
Oregon has a large number of wealthy individuals, and our tax structure has no longer made them responsible for their fair share of participating in a civilized society. Recent tax measures have reduced their share of the tax burden, and two events have brought their wealth to my attention.
Our “Paris to Portland” art museum show demonstrated great wealth when they displayed art masterpieces from France owned by Portland residents. It looked like a $100 million-plus show!
The second show of wealth are the two proposed sport arenas; the basketball stadium for Eugene and the baseball arena for Portland. This is in addition to Eugene’s football stadium, with the $30 million improvements, that is used seven or eight days per year.
Another demonstration of wealth is reading the home section of local newspapers with their $300,000-plus homes. With this much wealth, surely we can first of all pay for schools and the basic needs of health care and public safety. Is our economy just for a few?
If you are concerned about the future of your children growing up with impoverished schools, if you have friends and neighbors who depend on assistance with health care, or if you just care about your community, call your state legislator at (800) 332-2313.

Ruth Duemler

Eugene