One hotly debated topic in Oregon right now is the vote in January on 26 regarding measures 66 and 67.

A vote FOR measure 66 will mean:

• Taxes for wealthy Oregonians (about $250,000 for households, $125,000 for individuals) will increase.

• No income taxes on the first $2400 of unemployment benefits received in 2009.

• The resulting estimated $472 million raised will provide funds for education, health care, public safety, and other services.

• The increases are permanent.

A vote FOR measure 67 will mean:

• The $10 minimum tax for corporations increases to $150.

• The tax rate for many corporations will increase, along with some filing fees.

• As with measure 66, the resulting estimated $472 million raised will provide funds for education, health care, public safety, and other services.

• The increases are permanent.

We urge a NO vote on both of these issues.

• People supporting the taxes say it will only tax the rich. They are wrong. The increase will be passed on to the customers, and you will pay more for gas, groceries, and services.

• It is estimated that the tax will cost Oregon 70,000 jobs, increasing unemployment.

• State spending is increased, not decreased as it should be.

• Small businesses will suffer major damage. If the tax passes, we will immediately increase business costs. Many small businesses will have to close, increasing unemployment. Some businesses will move to Vancouver and other places.

• Measure 66 will cause many small farms in Oregon to close. That means you pay a higher grocery bill and the farmers will be hurt, some losing their farm.

• Voting for these measures will give you the largest tax increase in the history of Oregon. It will give our state the second highest income tax in the nation. It is not a good idea to saddle Oregonians during the largest economic downturn in a generation with the largest tax increase in Oregon’s history.

• If the measures pass, the taxes are retroactive to the first of 2009. You probably didn’t have enough taxes taken out of your salary to cover it. If you are out of work now but worked some in 2009, you are probably going to owe money.

• The Portland Business Alliance urges a NO vote of these measures. So does many of
the Chamber of Commerces: Beaverton, North Clackamas County, Salam, Wilsonville, and many others.

• The Oregonian and many other newspapers in the state urge a NO vote on measures 66 and 67,

• The measures will delay economic recovery in Oregon.

• The legislature ignored tax advice and sided with special interests. Even this vote is riddled with special interest money. Don’t be deceived.

Don’t be fooled. Don’t let the special interests that bought the legislators buy your vote.
Vote on the measures and vote NO on both. Then vote the legislators out that even proposed this nonsense in our tough economic times.

Oregon can pay its bills by managing the money they have better and cutting those salary increases. Here’s an example of how the state can save - companies that are not involved with energy are buying energy tax credits at a profit, cutting into the state income. Wal-Mart, for example, paid 22.6 million last year to the right to clam in 33.6 million in energy tax credits. The state is out the full 33.6 million in tax revenues, money that would have gone through the general fund to schools and health services. And Wal-Mart isn’t alone. Other companies at the top of the list playing this game are Costco and U.S. Bank – two of America’s wealthiest businesses.

Be sure vote. In voting you lead, you make a statement. Encourage others to vote. On issues, be willing share your reasons for why you are voting for or against the measures. For more on real leadership, see http://www.creatingnewworlds.org/beyond.htm.