For Immediate Release
January 26, 2010
For More Information Contact:
Kevin Looper 503-239-8029
Oregon voters tonight passed two critical tax fairness measures, Measures 66 and 67.
“Tonight’s victory is one for all Oregonians—especially students and middle class families,” said Otto Schell, of the Oregon PTA.“Strong schools and preserving public services are critical to our children’s future and key to our economic recovery. Today, Oregon voters have laid the foundation for a strong future.”
Measures 66 and 67 raise the corporate minimum tax from $10 to $150 for the first time since 1931 and raise the tax rate on household income above $250,000. Prior to the passage of this measure, more than two-thirds of corporations doing business in Oregon paid just the $10 a year corporate minimum income tax. The vote marks the first time Oregon voters have approved a statewide tax measure since 1931.
Passage of Measures 66 and 67 protects critical funding for schools, health care, and public safety.
Oregon's January 26 special election was the only scheduled popular vote of the year that addressed tax fairness.
A large group of community organizations, including unions, small business owners, advocates for children and seniors, churches, environmental organizations, and civil rights groups have come together to pass the measures. Over 250 organizations formed the Yes for Oregon coalition to mobilize voters for the January election.
“This was a victory for working people, responsible businesses and community organizations who wanted to protect our schools and vital services, and for all those who put our common future above narrow self-interest, “ said Kevin Looper, director of the Yes for Oregon campaign.
