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Letters in the Editor''s Mailbag.

Article Excerpt
Byline: The Register-Guard

Raise beer taxes

It is appalling that at this time when our state is facing an economic crisis, our state Legislature hesitates to consider raising beer taxes to help meet serious budget shortfalls but finds time during an emergency special session to propose keeping liquor stores open on Sundays.

Oregon's income taxes are among the highest in the nation, and yet Oregon is 46th in its rate of beer taxation. In addition, alcohol is a contributing factor in at least 45 percent of auto accidents and nearly 85 percent of all violent crimes statewide. Overall, the results of alcohol abuse cost Oregon taxpayers almost a billion dollars each year! Recent polls tell us that 76 percent of Oregonians support increasing the beer and wine tax. So why is the alcohol industry protected from paying its share?

Perhaps it has something to do with their history of generous contributions to Oregon politicians - a total of $312,452 in the 1998 and 2000 elections. Beer and wine lobbyists even throw a special party for our legislators at the start of each legislative session.

Our schools and other important social programs are facing devastating cuts. It is time for us to send a message to our elected officials. The party's over - the Oregon taxpayers can no longer afford to pick up the tab for the alcohol industry!

SUSANNE R. BOLING Springfield

Renew library levy

We are writing to respond to recent letters concerning the city of Eugene's library renewal levy. All of us on the City Council agree that a temporary levy is not the best way to fund...