The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss significant issues surrounding healthcare costs and potential tax credits aimed at middle-income families. The meeting highlighted the financial struggles faced by individuals who do not qualify for state health programs but still find insurance premiums burdensome.

One of the central topics was a proposed tax credit for families earning between $45,000 and $90,000, which would provide up to $10,000 per child for healthcare expenses. Testimonies from individuals like Sarah Miller illustrated the challenges of affording healthcare, with some reporting monthly premiums exceeding their car payments. Miller emphasized the need for more assistance for middle-income families who work hard but still struggle to afford necessary health coverage.

Marcia Kelly from the Oregon Women's Rights Coalition raised concerns about the potential redundancy of the proposed tax credit, suggesting that existing federal and state provisions already provide significant tax relief for those with employer-sponsored insurance. She urged the committee to thoroughly evaluate the state budget and existing tax benefits before introducing new credits.

The committee acknowledged the complexity of healthcare-related tax deductions, particularly for self-employed individuals. Discussions included the need for clearer guidelines on how various tax credits and deductions interact, especially for those purchasing insurance through the marketplace.

As the meeting concluded, the committee decided to close the public hearing on Senate Bill 1134 and move into work sessions on related tax credit legislation. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of healthcare affordability and the importance of ensuring that any new tax measures effectively address the needs of Oregon's families.