Political Contributions: Yes, mamas, not just big business and the private plane types can donate to political causes here in Oregon. Good news, indeed, for this mama who often laments the plutocracy that money and politics has created in the good ol' US of A. Now little ol' middle class me can get in on the action, too! And for free, more or less.
How It Works: You give $50 ($100 for couples filing jointly) to any campaign, PAC, or political party of your choice, and the state (yes, the state) will give you that amount back as a credit on your taxes. Of course you can give more (that's where the big bucks come in), but the state won't match more than this. Thanks to Blue Oregon for not only reminding me of this nifty tax feature in the nick of time, but also for providing an E-Z online system (called Act Blue) to help you donate your $50 to any of the Democratic candidates running for statewide office in 2008 (there are more than a few races...). Better act fast, mamas, cause the clock is ticking on 2007.
Oregon Cultural Trust: This one's a little different. You get it when you make a matching contribution to the Trust that equals any donations you made during the year to another Oregon nonprofit cultural institution (up to $500). So check your records or start donating now! The Cultural Trust has a very easy 3-step process on its web site - where, incidentally, you can make your matching contribution online with a credit card. Love that. And they've got an excellent Q and A about this thing. Here's what the Trust does, in case you're wondering - pretty cool model to beef up the arts 'round here:
It is a statewide cultural plan to raise significant new funds to invest in Oregon's arts, humanities and heritage. Funds will be distributed to local communities to support their cultural priorities, through competitive grants for projects of regional and statewide significance, and through grants to Oregon's statewide cultural agencies to support their ongoing efforts.
Have you taken advantage of these tax credits in years past? This year? Was it easy? I can see a few possible downsides (uh, oh): 1) If you're tight on money you may be reluctant to spend now and get it back later, 2) as with all tax credits, the state loses revenue (from you!) to use for other things, and 3) it doesn't work as a refund, so if your income is too low, this isn't an option - once again letting only those with more money donate to politics (the Oregon Center for Public Policy, OCPP, agrees with this 3rd point). I've asked it before and I'll ask it again - is there anything simple out there? Ahh, right, negotiating bedtime with a 5-year old!!
Waddya think, mamas - time to donate?
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