How does this differ from ODFW and other government agencies that already exist? While trying to restore tourism is it the best practice to increase the cost of visitors to our state?
Are these new programs? Wildlife is important and noble, but Oregonians aren’t in the mood for another “minuscule” tax right now. The phrase that’s being used to describe Oregon’s current taxation is “death by 1000 cuts.” 35% of us (if that number is correct) will continue to pay these taxes when we travel to the coast or other places in the state. I would support this except Im tired of being nickeled and dimed from every level of government and it’s just not a priority to many Oregonians right now.
If any of this is to be managed by the ODFW, then the answer is not just no. It's HELL NO.
All wildlife in Oregon would be better off without ODFW "managing" them as targets for their privileged constituency, hunters. Proof that there is no such thing as Bigfoot: if there was, ODFW would have a hunting season on it. A hotel tax to pay ranchers for wolf compensation ?
Great points and discussion: thank you! Yes, you are correct that revenue generated would help fund ODFW programs. I definitely agree that right now, the way ODFW prioritizes plans and projects needs to be decoupled from its current revenue stream, which primarily comes from hunting and fishing tag sales. That's clearly a conflict of interest. By providing a consistent funding stream separate from tag and license sales, the goal is to keep special interests from influencing the decisions ODFW makes when it comes to what's best for wildlife (it should be noted that the goal to help local wildlife thrive also benefits the hunting, fishing and outdoor industry, but eliminates ODFW's outsized reliance on it as a revenue stream).
Regarding paying more for hotel and short term rental stays at places like the coast, certainly everyone is tired of higher costs and increases. However, that has more to do with strong demand and higher operating costs (and big service fees charged by out-of-state corporations like Airbnb and VRBO) and less about local room tax rates. Costs have increased significantly because Oregon is an increasingly popular tourist destination, demand is high and therefore hoteliers and short term rental operators can and do charge more. But the fact is, Oregon remains a bargain in regard to room tax rates, even with a 1.25% increase.
How does this differ from ODFW and other government agencies that already exist? While trying to restore tourism is it the best practice to increase the cost of visitors to our state?
Are these new programs? Wildlife is important and noble, but Oregonians aren’t in the mood for another “minuscule” tax right now. The phrase that’s being used to describe Oregon’s current taxation is “death by 1000 cuts.” 35% of us (if that number is correct) will continue to pay these taxes when we travel to the coast or other places in the state. I would support this except Im tired of being nickeled and dimed from every level of government and it’s just not a priority to many Oregonians right now.
If any of this is to be managed by the ODFW, then the answer is not just no. It's HELL NO.
All wildlife in Oregon would be better off without ODFW "managing" them as targets for their privileged constituency, hunters. Proof that there is no such thing as Bigfoot: if there was, ODFW would have a hunting season on it. A hotel tax to pay ranchers for wolf compensation ?
Please . Spare me the irony.
DO NOT DONATE TO THIS.
Great points and discussion: thank you! Yes, you are correct that revenue generated would help fund ODFW programs. I definitely agree that right now, the way ODFW prioritizes plans and projects needs to be decoupled from its current revenue stream, which primarily comes from hunting and fishing tag sales. That's clearly a conflict of interest. By providing a consistent funding stream separate from tag and license sales, the goal is to keep special interests from influencing the decisions ODFW makes when it comes to what's best for wildlife (it should be noted that the goal to help local wildlife thrive also benefits the hunting, fishing and outdoor industry, but eliminates ODFW's outsized reliance on it as a revenue stream).
Regarding paying more for hotel and short term rental stays at places like the coast, certainly everyone is tired of higher costs and increases. However, that has more to do with strong demand and higher operating costs (and big service fees charged by out-of-state corporations like Airbnb and VRBO) and less about local room tax rates. Costs have increased significantly because Oregon is an increasingly popular tourist destination, demand is high and therefore hoteliers and short term rental operators can and do charge more. But the fact is, Oregon remains a bargain in regard to room tax rates, even with a 1.25% increase.