Proposal Would Trim Property Taxes For Oregon Seniors

A bill being debates in the Oregon Legislature would create a special tax exemption for some older homeowners.  House Republican Leader Christine Drazan said she wrote the bill after talking with aging constituents struggling to stay in their own home.  She said her proposal would provide a 5% property tax exemption.

"For senior homeowners in Oregon who are at least 65 years old, have lived in their homes for at least 10 years and have an annual household income of no more than $150,000."

Representative Drazan said seniors outnumber kids in Oregon for the first time since 2023, and the exemption would allow those on a fixed income to pay for rising utility and medical costs.  But Marcia Kelly worries it would take money from the very services seniors rely on - like emergency services and senior centers.

"There is no provision in this bill to take care of the taxes that are not deferred, but exempted. So that means that your local city, your local schools do not have those property taxes."

The bill remains in committee.

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