Over A Third Of Oregon’s Counties Want To Seced To Idaho; Now We Know Why

Oregon’s motto, Alis volat propriis, was adopted in 1987 by the Oregon State Legislature and translates to “She flies with her own wings.” This motto was prophetic since thirteen of the thirty-six counties, or 36 percent, now want to secede and fly away to Idaho.

Supporters of Measure 7-86, also called the “Greater Idaho Measure,” claim that the decision to secede is driven by Oregon’s progressive policies and high crime rates. They argue that they have been marginalized in Oregon and believe that relocating to Idaho would lead to lower taxes, better governance, and improved representation for the citizens.

According to the proposal, the Oregon border would be relocated 200 miles west, resulting in 14 counties and parts of others becoming part of Idaho.

The measure’s website reads:

“The Oregon/Idaho line was established 163 years ago and is now outdated. It makes no sense in its current location because it doesn’t match the location of the cultural divide in Oregon.”

“We want an economy that is not held back by Oregon regulations and taxes, including environmental regulations. We’ll still have federal and Idaho regulations, and that’s plenty. Idaho knows how to respect rural counties and their livelihoods.”

Ever since progressive politicians took control of the Oregon state legislature, there has been a significant departure of residents. This is due to the state’s ongoing decline, attributed to failed progressive policies. These policies have led to high crime rates, a lack of prosecution and police officers, as well as a worsening homeless and drug epidemic.

Now, the state is attempting to go unapologetically communist. In November, citizens will vote on Measure 118, a controversial ballot measure that would give every resident, regardless of age or income, $1,600 yearly, as long as they live at least 200 days in the state.

This would mean a family of four would receive $6,400 annually, with no strings attached. The money would be nontaxable and would not affect other benefits.

If passed, Measure 118 would establish the universal basic income (UBI) program, which would be funded through a tax on the gross receipts of corporations generating more than $25 million in annual sales.

Oregon Rebate, the group supporting the measure, states on its website that Measure 118 would raise minimum corporate taxes to 3 percent.

The organization asserts that the “largest corporations” currently pay less than 1 percent in Oregon tax, while individual taxpayers pay between 5 percent and 10 percent.

The Tax Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, disputes the claim that corporations pay less than 1 percent in Oregon taxes. It notes that the state already has “one of the highest business tax burdens in the country.”

According to a report by the foundation, Oregon corporations pay a 7.6 percent corporate income tax and a 0.57 percent gross receipts tax. If they are located in the Portland area, they are also subject to a 2.6 percent business license tax, a 2 percent business income tax, a 1 percent supportive housing services tax, and a 1 percent Clean Energy Surcharge. All of these are additional taxes based on net income. Oregon corporations pay taxes on profits and gross receipts (sales attributable to Oregon), making it one of only two states (the other is Delaware) that impose both types of taxes.

Proponents of this ridiculous idea obviously see themselves as modern-day Robin Hoods. Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is an age-old Democrat ploy. It makes them appear to be against big business and a friend of the average American, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

They make wild claims to sugarcoat their deceit. For instance, in this case, Oregon Rebate claims that the money raised would decrease overall poverty in the state by 36 percent, childhood poverty by 53 percent, and senior citizen poverty by 26 percent.

In their parallel universe, blinded by everything except their agenda, they make the ridiculous assumption that:

“More money in the pocket of Oregonians will boost our economy and mean more jobs, opportunities, and taxable revenue.”

According to a legislative fiscal analysis published in July, if the measure is passed, households earning less than $40,000 would not have any Oregon tax liability.

Meanwhile, back on earth, the Tax Foundation explained what would really occur:

“The payment might sound good, but if it raises the cost of goods, drives jobs and economic activity out of state, and puts Oregon-based businesses at a massive disadvantage with their out-of-state competitors, it’s likely to be an awful deal for Oregonians.”

No Kidding.

Ideas like this are part of the reason why communism/socialism never has worked and never will. While the secession idea probably won’t go through, it does send a loud and clear message to the leftists running the state about how unhappy many of their citizens are.

Unfortunately, they are obviously not listening, and even worse, they couldn’t care less.