• Sales tax (with other tax cuts) raised again at Legislature
• Bend buses continue to attract riders
• It’s the Colts, by a nose
• Specifics arise about new Bend Downtowners EID proposal
• Juniper Ridge, Bend Council both scheduled for Wednesday night
• This week's survey question

Sales tax (with other tax cuts) raised again at Legislature

     A bipartisan group of legislators who have been working on tax reform for some time finally introduced a bill in the Oregon House on Wednesday that would cut income taxes by a third, add tax credits for the lowest income earners, and cut taxes on most capital gains to 4 percent of net gain – and institute a 5 percent sales tax. The 61-page bill was referred to the House Speaker’s desk for possible committee assignment. Democratic Sen. Ben Westlund of Tumalo was one of the sponsors of House Bill 2530. The capital gains tax changes also would include certain exemptions for inheritances and principal property capital gains. Westlund estimated the new tax structure would raise an additional $800 million each biennium. The bill faces some stiff challenges, though: To make it out of the Legislature, three-fifths of both the House and Senate would have to approve it. The governor would have to sign it. And then, voters would have to do what they never have done in Oregon history: Pass a sales tax. The last time a sales tax was on the ballot was in 1993, with a proposal to institute a 5 percent tax for schools. The measure was hammered, 721,930 no votes to 240,991 yes.

     Ridership on the Bend Area Transit (BAT) system buses, fondly known as BATmobiles, continues to rise. During the week of Jan. 17 through 23, a total of 7,684 people rode the fixed-route buses and Dial-A-Ride service. That’s the highest-ever level of ridership, surpassing even the 7,399 people who rode buses and Dial-A-Ride during BAT’s first week of operation the week of Sept. 27, when rides were free. It’s likely that before the end of this year, a proposal will emerge to expand BAT to include other routes. The question, as always, is how to pay for it. Asking Bend voters to pass a bond measure and form a transit district could be one option that will be on the table.

     Last week’s survey question was, “Who do you think will win the Super Bowl?” Evidently there are more Colt fans out there than Bears, but just barely (no pun intended). Some trash talk:
     “Unofficial comments from current and former players at the Athletic Club of Bend indicate that Rex Grossman will fold and the Colts win by 17.”
     “Is there any doubt? Go Bears!”
     “…Florida is the current NCAA football champ and NCAA basketball champ. Emmit Smith won Dancing with the Stars – and he’s a Florida grad. Miami Heat won the NBA title with two Florida grads. The Colts have no Florida alum, but the Bears have four. It’s a no-brainer – Chicago.”
     And this gem: “The Seahawks – when h--- freezes over.”

     For all you government junkies and interested citizens, there are two events of note for next Wednesday, February 7 – unfortunately, they’re at the same time. The Bend City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, and the Juniper Ridge Team will present drawings, maps and other planning materials involving the Juniper Ridge Master Plan from 7 to 9 p.m. (presentation at 7 p.m.) in the Barnes Room at the Deschutes County Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St. For information about either the council or Juniper Ridge: www.ci.bend.or.us.