Oregon NFIB Press Release,
Oregonians have to act fast on Measure 97, which would add a 2.5 percent gross tax on sales in Oregon over $25 million, including companies in Oregon and branches of national firms, according to Herald and News. It also would produce an estimated $3 billion a year ($6 billion for a two-year budget).
Another thing to know: This is a gross tax, so businesses would have to pay it whether they show a profit or not.
“Measure 97 is the largest tax increase in Oregon history,” NFIB/Oregon State Director Anthony K. Smith said. “Our interest is in how the big guys are going to pay for this, how they’re going to pass those costs onto NFIB members and their customers.”
While those favoring the measure say it will force big corporations to finally start paying their fair share of taxes, opponents argue there’s no guarantee these big businesses will take part of their profits to pay a new tax, The World reported:
“Companies cover expenses by increasing revenues. The easiest way to increase revenues is to raise prices to customers. That effectively turns this measure into a sales tax by another name.”
Measure 97 will not hurt only small businesses, but it will also affect Oregon farmers and families.
“Our members need to know it’s going to cost the average Oregon family $600 a year, so for small businesses, everything is going to cost more,” Smith said.
“Think about what it takes to run a small business—electricity, gasoline, insurance, IT systems, products on the shelves—all those companies our members do business with are going to have to pay this tax directly, which means they’re going to pass it on to their customers, our small businesses,” he said. “That’s when we have to fight back.”
Opposition to Measure 97 is growing—and growing strong. Newspapers such as The Oregonian, The Salem Statesman Journal, and the Portland Tribune, among others, all have come out against the measure, and opponents have raised $17 million to campaign against it.
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