Opponents of Ore. tax hike ready to mount campaign

Sunday, July 19, 2009 12:45 AM PDT

SALEM (AP) — Gov. Ted Kulongoski is scheduled to sign the Oregon Legislature’s $733 million tax increase into law Monday, clearing the way for opponents to try to block the tax hikes by forcing a statewide vote.

A spokesman for the referendum campaign said 40 to 50 paid signature gatherers, as well as volunteers, could be hitting the streets as soon as July 24.

“Everything seems to be in place. All we’re waiting for is the starting bell to go off when the governor signs the bills,’’ said Jon Chandler, a lobbyist for Oregon homebuilders.

The Democratic-led Legislature passed the tax hikes on corporations and upper-income Oregonians to avoid deeper cuts to schools and human services. But anti-tax activists and business groups say the tax hikes will stifle economic recovery in Oregon.

The income tax measures are to take effect 90 days after the Legislature’s adjournment, unless petitions with 55,179 signatures are filed with the state by Sept. 25 to force a statewide election.

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The election would be conducted Jan. 26.

Chandler said tax opponents are confident they can round up more than enough signatures by the deadline. The campaign already is honing the message it will take to voters in what’s expected to be an expensive, TV ad-driven campaign by both sides.

‘’Our message will be that you don’t raise taxes in a bad economy, when people already are nervous about their jobs,’’ he said.

On the other side, Scott Moore of the Our Oregon coalition said more than 100 advocacy groups are ready to join in a campaign to make the case that raising taxes on the top earners will help protect schools and vital human services.

‘’We’re asking for just a bit more in taxes from the people who are doing well in this economy,’’ Moore said.

Republicans earlier had complained that Kulongoski was dragging his feet and not signing the bills as a way to cut the amount of time opponents will have to round up signatures.

Kulongoski spokeswoman Jillian Schoene on Friday called the GOP assertion untrue, saying that the governor’s office followed standard procedure in signing the measures.

The Democratic governor isn’t neutral on the subject, though. He strongly supports the tax package and has promised to take a lead role in the coming ballot measure campaign.

‘’He will be a vocal supporter,’’ Schoene said. ‘’This package will keep school doors open and get families the human services they need to get to the other side of this recession.’’