Opponents of Ore. tax hike ready to mount campaign
Monday, July 20, 2009 10:36 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.
