Presidential Speech

As a Senior Advisor to the President, I'm here in Cairo, Egypt where I watched President Obama deliver an unprecedented speech calling for a new beginning for the United States and Muslim communities around the world. We all know that there has been tension between the United States and some Muslim communities. But, as the President said this morning, if all sides face the sources of tension squarely and focus on mutual interests, we can find a new way forward. The President outlined some big goals for this new beginning in his speech -- including disrupting, dismantling, and defeating violent extremism. It was a historic speech, and since many Americans were asleep at the time it was given we wanted to make sure you had a chance to see it: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/NewBeginning/
Majority-Muslim countries around the world are filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives, just as in America. Indeed, part of what makes America great is having nearly seven million Muslim Americans living here today and enriching our culture and communities. We can extend that kind of relationship abroad. It won't always be easy, but if we make an effort to bridge our differences rather than resigning ourselves to animosity, we can move toward a more peaceful world over time. Thank you, David Axelrod Senior Advisor to the President

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State Representative Kim Thatcher

Basic Budget Balancing Act May 23, 2009
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much." Remember that saying from the late President Ronald Reagan? I think it still applies today when we step back and take an objective look at the Oregon State Budget.
I know budget babble can be boring, but it's really important for Oregonians to get a grip on what's going on here before they face hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes. Grab your Excedrin and let's see if I can lay it out for you in as simple terms possible.
First, the current two-year state budget is $15.1 billion (with a "B"). That's the amount established for state agencies to maintain all the services they provide from July 2007-June 2009. Keep in mind we had nearly $3 billion in extra revenue to spread around on new programs and 1200 new workers in the last budget.
I joined several other conservative legislators in warning folks that this level of spending would just bloat state government to an unsustainable level - translation? There was no way income tax and lottery dollars could keep churning out this level of revenue. Something would have to give; something would have to be cut. Did legislative leaders listen? No.
Fast forward to today. The economy went in the tank. Unemployment skyrocketed to 12% and legislative leaders are now talking about cutting $2 billion out of the new state budget for July 2009-June 2011. Why? First they assume state programs will need $16.7 billion to continue present operations. Second, only $13.7 billion in revenue is expected to come in the door for the next budget cycle.
To close the multi-billion dollar gap, legislative budget leaders plan to use some of that magic federal stimulus money, a few reserve funds and, you got it, "raise taxes." Remember, taxes are the liberal's answer to close that multibillion dollar gap. Because to them this is about what they "think" agencies need to operate versus reality.
Why do we assume that starting in July all state programs need an automatic 10%-20% more money? Why not keep spending levels the same and add in a little for targeted areas like services for people with disabilities and low-income seniors? What about a few more dollars for K-12 classrooms? Perhaps some extra money to keep bad guys locked up in prison?
It's all about rethinking the way we approach the state budget. Prioritize the core functions and cut those that are not essential. That's what the Back to Basics Budget Plan is all about and you can check it out by clicking on this link here.
This plan looks at what we spend now, what is projected to come in, uses reserves and other funds to cover the additional needs in the areas I mentioned before. You can't tax your way out of a recession. And massive cuts to critical programs when you have piles of reserves sitting around are not right either. Sure it sounds pretty cut and dry but it is a lot more complicated than that. I'm just giving you the big picture.
So when you see stories in the news about 1,700 layoffs of state workers proposed by legislative leaders, remember the 1,200 new employees that were just hired in the past couple years. When they threaten to reduce the number of kids in Headstart, ask if this is really a "cut" in the current amount of funding or is it just a "reduction in the increase" they had hoped to get?
For example, the total amount the legislature approved for spending on "administration" for the entire state budget for 2007-09 was $189 million dollars. That's $6 million less than the $195 million the current budget leaders are planning to spend and it's $17 million less than what they think is an "essential" level of spending. So we're spending more actual dollars but it's somehow a cut?
Finally, when you hear legislators talk about how vital it is to increase the tax burden on wealthy individuals and corporations, think about whether increases are needed in the first place and who is really going to pay? Probably consumers through higher prices, and workers through job losses.
Rather than reshape the way we deliver government services through real reforms, legislative leaders expect Oregon taxpayers to keep shelling out more and more to feed the machine. Enough. There are better ways. See my recent column in NW Conservative Magazine. Click here.
Noted economist Milton Friedman put it best. "If a government were put in charge of the Sahara Desert, within five years they'd have a shortage of sand." For details on the Back to Basics Budget Plan check out http://www.backtobasicsbudget.com/


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BASEBALL LEGEND DON LARSEN TO KEIZER

VOLCANOES BRING
BASEBALL LEGEND
DON LARSEN TO KEIZER, OREGON
For Press Inquires and to Schedule Interviews Please Contact Jerry Howard at 503-390-2225 x 3002

The SALEM-KEIZER VOLCANOES are proud to announce that baseball legend DON LARSEN will be coming to Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, June 25. Mr. Larsen’s appearance will headline “Legends Night,” an annual special event at the Stadium. Mr. Larsen will be signing free autographs on the concourse for approximately one hour before the game. After throwing out the honorary first pitch, Mr. Larsen will continue signing autographs, and meeting fans, during the first several innings of the game.

Thursday’s game is between the Volcanoes and the Boise Hawks (Chicago Cubs affiliate) and starts at 6:35 p.m. Gates will open at 5:30 PM.

Don Larsen played major league baseball from 1953 to 1967. On October 8, 1956, he became the only player in baseball history to pitch a perfect game in a World Series. Mr. Larsen played with eight different teams during his career, but is best known for his five seasons with the New York Yankees. It was with the Yankees that Don Larsen pitched his perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers that helped the Yankees capture World Series Championship in 1956. Larson played with such greats as Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Gil McDougald, and Billy Martin. Mr. Larsen also played two and a half seasons with the San Francisco Giants (1962-4), the Volcanoes’ Major League Affiliate.

TICKETS ON SALE
FOR ALL GAMES
INCLUDING DON LARSEN NIGHT

Tickets for the Volcanoes pre-season game, Friday, June 19, Opening Night, Tuesday, June 23, and all Volcanoes home games, including Don Larsen Night on Thursday, June 25, are now on sale at the Volcanoes Stadium box office. Tickets may also be reserved by phone, (503) 390-2225 ext. 3007, or online at www.volcanoesbaseball.com – Upper Box Seats $11, Reserved Seats $9, General Admission $7.
###


VOLCANOES UPCOMING 2009 HOME SCHEDULE AND PROMOTIONS

Friday, June 19 7:05pm Volcanoes vs. College All-Stars The Volcanoes play their annual pre-season game versus the College All-Stars. Get your first glimpse of the 2009 Volcanoes and see many former local prep players on the field with the All-Stars at Volcanoes Stadium.
Sunday, June 21 Father’s Day Breakfast at Volcanoes Stadium - 9:00am - 12:00pm : The Volcanoes Stadium Lava Lodge will be serving breakfast on Father’s Day. Menu includes: Pancakes, Sausages, Eggs, juice and coffee for $6.00 adults, children $4.00. Plus FREE fun activities for Dad’s and their children including: Speed Pitch, Volcanoes Batting Cage, and playing catch on the field -- bring your mitts! You can pre-purchase Father's Day Breakfast Tickets by calling (503) 390-2225 ext. 3007.
Sunday, June 21 Fan-Fest at Volcanoes Stadium - 12:00pm – 3:00pm: Admission is FREE. Meet the 2009 Volcanoes and get autographs and watch the Volcanoes compete in a Home Run Derby (noon – 12:45pm) !!! There will also be a variety of activities and entertainment available throughout the day, such as a Celebrity Softball Game (1:30pm to 2:30pm), Volcanoes Speed Pitch, Batting Cage and more. Great opportunity to “Pick Your Seats” for the upcoming season with ticket packages on sale throughout the day. There will also be a Turn Back the Clock Day SALE with savings up to 80% OFF on selected merchandise !!
Tuesday, June 23 6:35pm Opening Night. Volcanoes open Northwest League action versus the Boise Hawks. It is also "KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets". Bring a KRAFT Singles wrapper to the ballpark box office for a steal of a deal! Buy One Ticket Get One Free from KRAFT Singles! Visit kraftsingles.com for details.

Wednesday, June 24 6:35pm PRIZE WHEEL WEDNESDAY !! Spin to Win ! It’s also “ St. Paul Rodeo Night”. Meet and greet the Rodeo Court Princesses of the St. Paul Rodeo Volcanoes continue the action against the Boise Hawks.

Thursday, June 25 6:35pm New York Yankees Legend – Don Larsen Night !! Yankees great, Don Larsen, who pitched the only perfect game in World Series history will be on hand to sign free autographs for the fans. It’s also AWESOME 3000 Night ! All Awesome 3000 participants, wearing their 2009 Awesome 3000 shirt, will be admitted free and will be invited to meet the Volcanoes players on the field prior to the game (must arrive by 6:00pm) and run the bases after the game. It is also $1.00 Thursday. Select Adult Beverages are just $1.00 in the Stadium’s Lava Lodge. Volcanoes continue the week against the Boise Hawks.

Friday, June 26 7:05pm F I R E W O R K S !! Spectacular post-game Fireworks Show presented by PT Northwest. Enjoy a wide variety of events this evening with a pre-game concert by Maggie Felber, watch Archbishop Vlazny throw out the ceremonial first pitch to kick off Catholic Night, and last but not least it is also GO GREEN NIGHT! Come and visit with all the vendors in Marion County that can give you tips and tricks to going green and staying green! Volcanoes continue the week against the Boise Hawks.

Saturday, June 27 5:05pm Youth Baseball Night - ALL youth baseball and softball players* are invited to meet the Volcanoes on the field prior to the game (must arrive by 4:30) Wear your team uniform and/or hat. Come watch as the Volcanoes wrap up their homestand against the Boise Hawks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and end your summer evening enjoying a Post-Game concert by Maggie Felber .




Volcanoes Stadium, at Exit 260 on I-5.
Call 503-390-2225 ext. 3007 or visit www.volcanoesbaseball.com

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Rep Thatcher Supports Small Businesses – Opposes New Taxes

State Representative Kim Thatcher House District 25
NEWS RELEASE: June 9th, 2009

CONTACT: Dawn Phillips 503-750-1764
Rep Thatcher Supports Small Businesses – Opposes New Taxes
( Salem ) Thousands of small business owners will be hit by $733 million in new tax hikes approved by the Oregon House of Representatives today. During debate on the House Floor, State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, St. Paul , Newberg) said, “we can’t tax our way out of a recession.”

Representative Thatcher voted against House Bill 3405 which raises the corporate tax to 8% up from 6.6% on companies with over $250,000 in corporate income. The measure increases the corporate minimum tax up to $10,000 depending on annual sales. She also opposed House Bill 2649, a measure to raise personal income taxes on individual taxpayers from 9% to 11% if they make over $125,000 and joint filers making more than $250,000.

She pointed out these tax increases will not just impact profits, but also total sales. Businesses could be on the hook for thousands and thousands of dollars in taxes, even when they lose money.”

“All these taxes trickle down to the individual. Think about the multiplier effect,” added Thatcher. “Services used by every Oregonian will now have a hidden sales tax. The banks, grocery stores, insurance companies, gas stations – services used by everyday Oregonians – will now have to include the cost of covering these taxes.

Some advocates for the measures call these “small” or “minor” tax increases. However, the taxpayers footing the bill will see up to a 22% increase in the tax rates.

As a small business owner herself, Thatcher is concerned about the impact of these measures on her counterparts in the private sector. She explained they might do less business or move out of state to avoid paying the higher taxes imposed by this legislation.

Representative Thatcher spoke against the measures saying, “if those businesses are forced to pay more taxes, then there is less disposable income for businesses to use to hire workers and they may have to lay off workers.”

Oregon has the second highest unemployment rate in the country and with this new income tax bracket; the state will have the highest personal income taxes in the nation. These are permanent increases in the tax code and Thatcher believes they send the wrong message to businesses considering moving to Oregon .

Finally, Thatcher wondered what would happen if these bills are referred to the ballot and are rejected by voters. “What is Plan B? How will we keep services going without all this new revenue?” She has advocated using some of the billions of dollars the state has in reserves to cover critical needs in the state budget.

#### State Representative Kim Thatcher 900 Court St. NE H-472, Salem, OR 97301 ~ 503-986-1425 www.leg.state.or.us/thatcher ~ Rep.kimthatcher@state.or.us

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