UPDATE: 11/09/16 – Medford, Ore., — NBC5 spoke State Representative Peter Buckley about the failed levy.
He says says something still needs to be done to help schools, it’s just about finding a middle ground.
“I think there’s a number of Oregonians who’ve said we’ll raise our own taxes if we can help pay for education, but it’s finding that vehicle and finding that package that people can accept, and say yeah it’s a fair package.” said Buckley.
Buckley says for the last 12 years he’s been supportive of finding any sort of revenue proposal that could pass to fund education, but it’s unknown at this point what is next.
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Salem, Ore. – Oregon voters shot down a corporate tax measure that promised to fund education, healthcare and senior services. Measure 97 failed to garner enough votes in Tuesday’s election, with roughly 60% of people voting “no”.
According to the Oregon Voter Guide, Measure 97 would have increased the corporate minimum tax when sales exceed $25 million. The existing corporate minimum tax is limited to $100,000.
Proponents claimed the measure would make up for a shortfall in the Oregon budget by taxing large, out-of-state companies doing business in Oregon. Opponents argued lower income families would be hit hardest by the measure due to increased costs of goods and services.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued this statement following the failure of Measure 97:
“In the coming days, I’ll meet with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle to discuss budget priorities and next steps in preparation for the 2017 session.
“Following these discussions, on December 1 I’ll release a balanced budget that makes every effort to protect vulnerable Oregonians to the greatest extent possible.
“I will give priority to protecting services for children and helping lift families out of poverty. Given the severe constraints, we will still have to make a number of heartbreaking cuts.
“Looking forward, if we expect to improve our dismal high school graduation rate, help more families achieve self-sufficiency, and keep Oregonians safe and healthy, we need stable and adequate revenue.
“I call on both the proponents and opponents of Measure 97 to find common ground and develop solutions that Oregonians support. As I evaluate potential options, I’ll look for proposals that provide adequate and stable revenue, do not hurt struggling families, and bring increased fairness to Oregon’s tax system.”
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