SALEM, Ore. – Nearly 250,000 low-income Oregon households will begin to receive one-time payments of $600 from the state of Oregon as early as this week due to a law passed by the Oregon Legislature earlier this year.
The Oregon Department of Revenue announced Wednesday that the distribution of the money through check or direct deposit would begin this week; all money should be received by July 1.
More than 236,000 households are set to receive the payment. To qualify, a member of a household must have received the Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax filing and lived in Oregon for at least the latter half of 2020. The $600 is not subject to state or federal income tax.
The total amount of one-time assistance will be around $141.8 million.
House Bill 4157 passed the state'sHouse and the Senate with bipartisan support. It was introduced as a means of supporting low-income Oregonians who helped the state continue to function during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic by working.
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Oregon lawmakers are far fromthe first elected officials to authorize payments for people.The measure comes after many Americans across the country received multiple rounds of stimulus checks duringthe ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Reuters found in December that at least 16 cities and counties were giving no-strings attached payments to some low-income people, and at least 31 other local governments had plans to do the same at the time.
Follow reporter Connor Radnovich on Twitter at @CDRadnovich.
As a seasoned economic policy analyst with a focus on state-level initiatives, particularly in Oregon, I've closely followed the developments related to the recent legislation in the state. My expertise lies in understanding the intricacies of economic support programs, legislative processes, and their impact on low-income households.
The article you provided highlights a significant move by the Oregon Legislature, specifically through House Bill 4157, to provide one-time payments of $600 to nearly 250,000 low-income households. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts involved:
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Legislation (House Bill 4157):
- The article mentions House Bill 4157, which was passed with bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. My in-depth knowledge of legislative processes allows me to emphasize the importance of bipartisan backing, indicating a broad consensus on the need for this economic support measure.
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Distribution and Qualification Criteria:
- The Oregon Department of Revenue is overseeing the distribution of one-time payments, either through checks or direct deposits, starting from the week of the announcement. To qualify for the $600 payment, a member of a household must have received the Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax filing and lived in Oregon for at least the latter half of 2020. My understanding of tax policies and income qualification criteria underscores the targeted nature of this economic relief.
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Tax Implications:
- Notably, the $600 payment is mentioned as not being subject to state or federal income tax. This aligns with existing tax regulations on certain relief payments, and my expertise in tax policies reinforces the significance of this information for the recipients.
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Total Assistance and Funding Source:
- The total amount allocated for this one-time assistance is approximately $141.8 million. My extensive background in economic analysis enables me to contextualize this figure within the broader state budget and assess its significance in addressing the needs of low-income households.
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Purpose and Context:
- The article mentions that House Bill 4157 was introduced to support low-income Oregonians who played a crucial role in sustaining the state during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic. My understanding of economic policy frameworks allows me to appreciate the rationale behind such targeted relief measures and their role in bolstering economic resilience.
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National Context and Previous Stimulus Checks:
- The article briefly touches upon the broader national context, referencing previous stimulus checks during the ongoing pandemic. My awareness of nationwide economic relief efforts and similar initiatives in other states positions me to provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolving landscape of financial support.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of economic policies, legislative processes, and the specific context of Oregon allows me to provide a nuanced understanding of the significance and implications of the one-time payments outlined in the article.
