Today is the last day to contribute to the Community for Oregonians with Disabilities (COD)! This is the Political Action Committee that supports legislators who care about issues affecting vulnerable Oregonians. Even though our donations are very small our voices are heard and appreciated. I can’t tell you how many legislators have said that they know how little we have to give in money, but how much we give in heart and service. By participating in the COD you keep our faces and our needs out there.

It costs you NOTHING to contribute $50 as an individual or if you file a joint return $100. It comes right off the top of your income tax. If you are a Shangri-La Employee you can make this a one time or monthly payroll deduction.

Jan Kral, CEO, Shangri-La Corporation

For more information click on the “more” button:

GENERAL PAC FACTS

What is a PAC?
Money in politics is largely collected by Political Action Committees (PACs), which are closely regulated by the state. Oregon has a unique law, called the Political Tax Credit, which allows small contributors to collectively gather their donations to create real clout: Every Oregon taxpayer can transfer $50 of their state taxes to the PAC of their choice (or $100 for joint filers).

This isn’t money you can save or give to charity – you’ll pay it for state taxes or to the Political Action Committee you choose. And you get your $50 (or $100) back when you file your Oregon Tax Return.

As disability services were threatened with massive cuts in 1990, a PAC was created to be the voice of people with disabilities, their families, and community support systems. Since that time, the Communities for Oregonians with Disabilities Political Action Committee has contributed to election campaigns and on Ballot Measures that have a tremendous impact on issues affecting Oregon’s disability funding and policies.

WHY Do We Need a PAC?
Influence & Clout: As we have painfully seen from the cuts of the past few years and the potential cuts looming, funding for disability services is very much a part of the Political & Legislative process.

Real Threats. Every legislative session we begin with proposed cuts to existing services due to Oregon’s dire need for real tax reform. We must elect Legislators who have been supported by the disability community and know and care about our issues.

It’s FREE to you. Your annual contribution of $50 per person ($100 per joint filing) is a direct tax credit (it reduces your State taxes by that amount), it really costs you nothing. You’re going to pay either the state or to a PAC. (You’re not giving the donation; in effect, the state is). Of course, if you give above the state tax credit, that is your true contribution.

QUESTIONS? Contact Tim Kral, PAC Treasurer, 503-585-3337
Your canceled check is your receipt. Please mail it to the address above. Don’t include it in your tax filing, just save it for your records. The tax credit can be claimed on either the short form or the regular state tax form.

In the past year the Communities for Oregonians with Disabilities gave over $6,000 to candidates and legislators (both Republicans and Democrats) who support our efforts for DD rate increases and who support the Products of Disabled Individuals Law.

Contribute $50 or $100 (if you file a joint state income tax return) by December 31, and you can take it as a tax credit as soon as you file your taxes.

The Political Action Committee needs your contribution now to help support candidates who understand our issues. With budget negotiations looking to be difficult for several years, and ongoing attacks on our Products of the Disabled Laws, we need to cultivate legislative champions.

We can’t do it without you!
Please send your contribution today to:
Communities for Oregonians with Disabilities
PO Box 13583
Salem OR 97309

The information below is from the Oregon Dept of Revenue.

Oregon law allows a tax credit for political contributions.

Who may claim the credit?
To qualify for the Oregon credit, you must have contributed money in the year the credit is claimed. Keep receipts from the candidate or organization with your tax records. You may also use copies of canceled checks.

Which contributions qualify?
Political action committees. You may claim a credit for contributions to political action committees (PACs). The organization must have certified the name of its political treasurer with the appropriate filing officer. Generally, this is the secretary of state for statewide or regional elections, your county clerk for county elections, or your city recorder for city elections. PACs registered with the Federal Elections Commission may not be required to register in Oregon.
Candidates and their principal campaign committees. You may claim a credit for a contribution to a candidate for federal, state, or local elective office, or to the candidate’s principal campaign committee.

Political parties. Political parties can be national, state, or local committees of major political parties.

How much is the credit? Your credit is equal to your contribution, but is limited to $100 on a joint return or $50 on a single or separate return.

No carryforward. The credit cannot be more than your tax liability for Oregon. Any credit not used this year is LOST.

Questions for Revenue Dept?
Phone: Salem 503-378-4988
Toll-free within Oregon 1-800-356-4222

Authorized by the Communities for Oregonians with Disabilities

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