The Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee yesterday published a view on the current negotiations in Salem aimed at solving the budget crisis. I encourage people to review their worthy framework at oregonbusinessplan.org. Like any constituency, the business community has a point of view that reflects their needs and preferences. However, their response is more comprehensive and thoughtful than just a “don’t tax us” outcry. This broader response is commendable and needs due consideration.

They put forward several ideas which are particularly important. First, changing tax structures in a crisis is not good governance unless a fully considered and strategic approach for the future is already sitting on the table. This is not the case. Establishing a floor level of funding for the state is valuable. This approach establishes the threshold of pain agencies and public services must deal with but adds stability to the immediate future – a critical element for effective execution in a tough operating environment. Filling the resulting gap with tax increases that are equitably shared, temporary in nature and use the current structure is also sound and reinforces a shared responsibility to respond to an economic situation that threatens our collective future.

Finally, OBP’s first principal states that it is “time to get our fiscal house” in order. I agree. At its very core, Oregon has created a fiscal system that now thwarts the needs of its own citizens. This must be addressed in order for us to move forward as a state. This will not be easy – but it must be accomplished.