Measures 66 and 67: Get the facts

Vote YES for a Clean and Healthy Oregon.
Vote YES on Measures 66 and 67.

As Oregonians, we have a state to be proud of: Abundant farmland, lush forests, pristine public beaches, clean rivers, and special places that provide fish and wildlife habitat as well as some of the most beautiful and diverse recreation in the nation.

And Oregon has a history of protecting what makes our state special. We need to make sure we continue that legacy.

What do Measures 66 and 67 actually do?

The measures raise the $10 corporate minimum tax for the first time since 1931, and increase the marginal tax rate on the richest Oregonians (those who make more than $250,000 a year). These measures raise about $730 million—plus more than $200 million in federal matching funds—to pay for critical services when we need them most.

What do these tax-fairness measures have to do with Oregon’s environment?

Measures 66 and 67 will help preserve Oregon’s unique quality of life for our children and grandchildren, ensuring that the state has adequate funding for critical environmental programs. These include:

• Developing Oregon’s clean energy economy to bring good jobs to our state: At a time when Oregon needs stable jobs and energy independence, we just can’t afford to go backward.
• Air quality monitoring
• Wastewater management and toxic water monitoring to help clean up our rivers and ensure safe drinking water for our families
• Reducing global warming pollution

Will these measures raise my taxes?

If your family makes less than $250,000, you won’t pay a penny more. In fact, 98% of Oregon taxpayers will see no increase in their taxes as a result of these measures.

In addition, more than 270,000 Oregonians will get a tax break. That’s because the first $2,400 in 2009 unemployment benefits will be made tax-exempt by Measure 66.

Will my business have to pay more taxes?

Measure 67 is designed to protect small businesses and make sure that big corporations finally pay more than $10 in the minimum tax. For these big, corporations, the new corporate minimum will be about one-tenth of one percent of their Oregon revenues.

Under Measure 67, 88 percent of Oregon businesses—small businesses—will pay just a $150 minimum tax. Sole proprietorships will continue paying no business taxes.

Both Measures 66 and 67 protect the critical services that businesses depend on to thrive: quality education, workforce training, law enforcement, and other basic services.

Who supports these measures?

A broad coalition of organizations, businesses and individuals who are committed to protecting essential services for a healthy Oregon: environmental programs, education, public safety, and healthcare.

Who opposes these measures?

The oil industry is among the top contributors to the No campaign right now. It’s no surprise, since these measures would help ensure that Oregon moves forward on clean energy and energy efficiency projects that will create jobs and stabilize energy prices for Oregon families.

Join the Oregon League of Conservation Voters in voting YES on Measures 66 and 67. It’s the responsible thing to do for our families.