Growing Dissent to Oregon’s Proposed Measure 118

The Coos Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has added its voice of dissent to Measure 118 which comes up for vote on Tuesday, November 5.

Measure 118 will increase corporate tax on sales above $25 million by 3%.

Carrot Dangled is a $1,600 Tax Rebate

The carrot dangled to consumers is a $1,600 tax rebate that will be distributed among residents who live in the state for a minimum of 200 days each year as a $1,600 tax rebate.

Supporters of Measure 118 say it will have a ‘profound impact’ on families with children and the state’s economy, plowing over $6 billion into the coffers. They believe the increased buying power offered by the measure will also help local businesses to thrive.

See also: Voter Backing for Oregon Measure 118 Is Losing Support

Oregon Will be Low on the Totem Pole of Business-Friendly States

But opponents believe Measure 118 will increase tax on sales, and not on income or profits.

Oregon will be placed ‘low on the totem pole of friendly places to do business or buy products,’ says Bay Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, Rosey Thomas.

She says the rebate will be insufficient to cover the cost of the increased prices on goods, pointing out that there is no limit on the products that can be subjected to taxation.

Medicine, food, and all necessities will be taxed with consumers as the end-payers, warns Thomas.

Thomas warns that Measure 118 is not a constitutional amendment and, under state law, the measure can be amended by the Legislature and the money used for any other purpose without accountability to Oregonians.

See also: Oregon Measure 118 is Heading for Failure at the November 5 Polls

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is 100% Opposed

She says Measure 118 will prove costly and that the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce with its 450 members is 100% opposed to the move. Members have put up yard signs and ‘No to Measure 118’ posters in shop windows ‘so that we can spread the word as fast as possible.’

The organization has also made its voice heard online and at weekly business connection lunches. Thomas has also sought the support of the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce and Oregon Business and Industry.

Thomas says that one tax rebate will not cover the cost of the damage that Measure 118 will cause Oregon and, that in the end, it will be the consumer who carries the burden.