CQE UPDATE

Measures 66 and 67 Protect Vital Funding for Oregon Schools

OREGON — During a special election on January 26, 2010, Oregon voters passed two tax measures, Measures 66 and 67, that raise the $10 corporate minimum for the first time since 1931, and increase the marginal tax rate on Oregon families that make over $250,000 a year. These measures protect critical funding for schools, health care and public safety in the state, including $390 million in education funding and services for children.

Had voters rejected the measures, funding for the state's public schools would have been cut drastically, and many districts might have been forced to increase class sizes and implement a shorter school year, even though nationally Oregon ranks at the bottom for both. Failure to pass the measures would have also likely resulted in teacher layoffs and cuts to numerous educational programs that enrich the academic experiences of Oregon students.

Fortunately, due to the efforts of the "Vote Yes for Oregon" campaign, a coalition of over 250 Oregon organizations and business and thousands of dedicated volunteers, both measures passed by a significant margin. From knocking on thousands of doors and organizing large-scale phone banks to engaging voters via both traditional and new media outlets, the campaign succeeded in securing enough yes votes to ensure that funding for Oregon's public schools and other vital services remains intact.

RELATED ARTICLES

Oregon's tax referendums: The pendulum swings back, The Economist

Oregon voters pass tax increasing measures by big margin, The Oregonian