Oregon Ballot Measure 59 (2008)
Encyclopedia
Oregon Ballot Measure 59 was an initiated state statute ballot measure sponsored by Bill Sizemore
that appeared on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot in Oregon
. If it had passed, Oregon would have join Alabama
, Iowa
, and Louisiana
as the only states to allow federal income taxes to be fully deducted on state income tax returns.
is: Creates an unlimited deduction for federal income taxes on individual taxpayers' Oregon income-tax returns.
In 2006, Sizemore associate Russ Walker introduced Measure 41
, which would have allowed "income tax deduction equal to federal exemptions deduction to substitute for state exemption credit." It failed 73–37.
Along with Measures 60
and 64
, Measure 59 is one of the three initiatives on the 2008 ballot that Sizemore has brought to the ballot in the past.
No Oregon newspapers have endorsed a yes vote on Measure 59.
(OCPP) issued a separate financial impact study. Features of their report:
, Timothy R. Trickey and R. Russell Walker are the measure's chief petitioners.
The committee that put Measure 59 on the ballot was called "Stop the Double Tax". There is no committee currently supporting the ballot measure.
reported in September 2007 that Nevada millionaire Loren Parks
was the leading contributor to the effort to put Measure 59 and other measures on the ballot. According to the newspaper, Parks gave money directly to the signature gathering firm, rather than to Sizemore directly. A court injunction stemming from a 2000 fraud case prevents Sizemore from spending money directly on politics, although he told Oregon Public Broadcasting in May 2008 that he "found a way to put the measures on the ballot and give voters those choices without me actually handling the money. And so I’m still able to put measures on the ballot, I just have to do it in a sort of round-about way."
, AARP Oregon, Children First for Oregon, and others.
Major donations to the Defend Oregon group as of October 23 include:
announced on June 16, 2008 that its unofficial signature verification process showed that the initiative's supporters had turned in 83,136 valid signatures, versus a requirement of 82,769 signatures. This represented a validity rate of 64.76% calculated over the 128,380 signatures turned in. The measure formally qualified for the ballot on August 2.,
A union-funded watchdog group asked the Oregon Secretary of State
to conduct an investigation into how some of the signatures on the measure were collected. Bill Bradbury, the Secretary of State has said, ""...most all of the initiatives Oregon voters will decide this fall got there through practices that are now illegal. But those practices were legal at the time most of the signatures were submitted." The state's Election Division is investigating the charges.,,
Bill Sizemore
Bill Sizemore is a political activist in Redmond, Oregon, United States. Sizemore has never held elected office, but has nonetheless been a major political figure in Oregon since the 1990s. He is considered one of the main proponents of the Oregon tax revolt, a movement that seeks to reduce taxes...
that appeared on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot in Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
. If it had passed, Oregon would have join Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
, and Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
as the only states to allow federal income taxes to be fully deducted on state income tax returns.
Official Ballot Title
The official ballot titleBallot title
A ballot title is the official, short, summary of a ballot measure that appears on the ballot. The goal of a good ballot title is to be a neutral summary that accurately conveys to voters the gist of what the proposed new law says or would do...
is: Creates an unlimited deduction for federal income taxes on individual taxpayers' Oregon income-tax returns.
History
This is the third time Sizemore has put a similar measure on the ballot. In 2000, he qualified Measure 91, which would have made federal income taxes fully deductible on state taxes. It lost 55–45, but a legislative referral that increased limited state deductions of federal taxes passed. In 2007, the limit on federal deductions was $5,600 — it increases each year indexed to inflation.In 2006, Sizemore associate Russ Walker introduced Measure 41
Oregon Ballot Measure 41 (2006)
Oregon ballot measure 41 was one of two unsuccessful ballot measures sponsored by the Taxpayers Association of Oregon on the November 7, 2006 general election ballot...
, which would have allowed "income tax deduction equal to federal exemptions deduction to substitute for state exemption credit." It failed 73–37.
Along with Measures 60
Oregon Ballot Measure 60 (2008)
Oregon Ballot Measure 60 was an initiated state statute ballot measure filed by Bill Sizemore and R. Russell Walker. Sizemore referred to it the "Kids First Act." The measure appeared on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot in Oregon....
and 64
Oregon Ballot Measure 64 (2008)
Oregon Ballot Measure 64 was an initiated state statute ballot measure on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot in Oregon.This measure would have prohibited money collected with the use of public resources from being used for political purposes, except elections, official voter pamphlets...
, Measure 59 is one of the three initiatives on the 2008 ballot that Sizemore has brought to the ballot in the past.
Newspaper Endorsements
Here is how Oregon's major newspapers have endorsed on Measure 59:| Newspapers | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| The Oregonian | No | |
| Medford Mail-Tribune | No | |
| Statesman Journal | No | |
| Bend Bulletin | No | |
| Portland Tribune | No | |
| Eugene Register-Guard | No | |
| Daily Astorian | No | |
| East Oregonian | No | |
| Corvallis Gazette Times | No | |
| Coos Bay The World | No | |
| Willamette Week | No | |
| Yamhill Valley News Register | No | |
| Gresham Outlook | No | |
| Hillsboro Argus | No |
No Oregon newspapers have endorsed a yes vote on Measure 59.
Specific provisions of the initiative
The ballot title is "An Act to Prohibit Double Taxation". Specific provisions include:- Adding Section 1 to the Oregon Revised Statutes. Prohibition on Double Taxation. Whereas it is unjust for one government to impose an income tax on money a taxpayer has been required to pay to another government as an income tax; therefore, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, no Oregon taxpayer shall be required to pay to the state, a local government, or other taxing district, an income tax of any kind on money paid to the federal government as federal income taxes. All money paid to the federal government to satisfy, wholly or in part, a taxpayer’s federal income tax obligation for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010 shall be fully deductible against income on the taxpayer’s Oregon income tax return. This section applies only to (i) federal income taxes paid on income subject to tax in Oregon, and (ii) federal income taxes, including capital gains taxes, paid by individuals. This section does not apply to corporate income taxes or corporate excise taxes.
- Adding Section 2 to the Oregon Revised Statutes. This 2008 Act supersedes any existing law or rule with which it conflicts. If any phrase, clause or part of this 2008 Act is determined to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining phrases, clauses, and parts shall remain in full force and effect.
Estimated fiscal impact
The state's Financial Estimate Committee prepares estimated fiscal impact statements for any ballot measures that will appear on the ballot. The estimate prepared by this committee for Measure 58 says:- Measure 59 would benefit about a quarter of Oregon taxpayers.
- It would lower state revenues by $1.3 billion in the 2009-2011 biennium and $2.4 billion in the 2011-2013 biennium.
- The state budget would have to make up those reduced revenues in its general fund which pays for education, health care for children, the elderly, and the disabled, and public safety.
Other fiscal estimates
The Oregon Center for Public PolicyOregon Center for Public Policy
The Oregon Center for Public Policy is an economic research organization that conducts research on budget, tax, and economics issues. The organization says its goal is "to improve decision making and generate more opportunities for all Oregonians." The group has lobbied the government of Oregon...
(OCPP) issued a separate financial impact study. Features of their report:
- OCPP says the overall cost would be $1.1 billion rather than the $1.3 billion estimate provided by the government.
- 22 percent of Oregon's taxpayers would see a savings from Measure 59.
- Households with annual incomes exceeding $82,200 would receive 97% of the savings under the plan.
Proponents
Bill SizemoreBill Sizemore
Bill Sizemore is a political activist in Redmond, Oregon, United States. Sizemore has never held elected office, but has nonetheless been a major political figure in Oregon since the 1990s. He is considered one of the main proponents of the Oregon tax revolt, a movement that seeks to reduce taxes...
, Timothy R. Trickey and R. Russell Walker are the measure's chief petitioners.
The committee that put Measure 59 on the ballot was called "Stop the Double Tax". There is no committee currently supporting the ballot measure.
Arguments Supporting Measure 59
- This measure would save taxpayers over $1.3 billion over the next two years.
- Tax cuts allow families and business to keep more of their own money, which reduces the need for government program spending.
Donors supporting Measure 59
The OregonianThe Oregonian
The Oregonian is the major daily newspaper in Portland, Oregon, owned by Advance Publications. It is the oldest continuously published newspaper on the U.S. west coast, founded as a weekly by Thomas J. Dryer on December 4, 1850...
reported in September 2007 that Nevada millionaire Loren Parks
Loren Parks
Loren Parks is a businessman from the U.S. state of Nevada. He previously lived in Oregon , and is the biggest political contributor in the history of that state. He has financed numerous ballot measure initiative petitions and campaigns since the mid-1990s...
was the leading contributor to the effort to put Measure 59 and other measures on the ballot. According to the newspaper, Parks gave money directly to the signature gathering firm, rather than to Sizemore directly. A court injunction stemming from a 2000 fraud case prevents Sizemore from spending money directly on politics, although he told Oregon Public Broadcasting in May 2008 that he "found a way to put the measures on the ballot and give voters those choices without me actually handling the money. And so I’m still able to put measures on the ballot, I just have to do it in a sort of round-about way."
Opponents
Measure 59 is opposed by the Defend Oregon, which includes the American Heart Association, 1000 Friends of Oregon1000 Friends of Oregon
1000 Friends of Oregon is a private, non-profit 501 organization that advocates for sustainable communities, protection of farmland and forests, and conservation of natural areas and resources in the U.S. state of Oregon with a focus on land use laws...
, AARP Oregon, Children First for Oregon, and others.
Arguments against Measure 59
Notable arguments that have been made against Measure 59 include:- "There are many good wealthy folks who will not suffer with the failure of Measure 59. Society as a whole, however, will suffer mightily if it passes", said Gary Stutzman of the Hillsboro Argus.
- Because the measure would reduce overall tax revenues for the state, it would reduce the amount of money available for the state's most vulnerable populations, who rely on government programs for various types of assistance.
- For the same reason, state spending on public safety programs would likely have to be reduced.
- The $1.1 billion (or $1.3 billion) cost estimate is equivalent to the total funding that Oregon’s public universities will receive from the state in the current biennium or to cutting the salaries of all Oregon K-12 public school teachers by 70 percent.
- In addition to not benefiting a majority of taxpayers, Measure 59 actually increases taxes on about 120,000 people, mostly retirees, according the Oregon Center for Public Policy.
Donors opposing Measure 59
Defend Oregon, as a committee, is fighting seven different ballot measures, and supporting two others. As a result, it is not possible to discern how much of its campaign spending is going specifically to defeat Measure 58. Altogether, the group has raised $9 million in 2008.Major donations to the Defend Oregon group as of October 23 include:
- $5.2 million from the Oregon Education AssociationOregon Education AssociationThe Oregon Education Association is the largest public education employees' union in the U.S. state of Oregon, representing more than 46,000 teachers and classified personnel. It has local affiliates in each of the state's 199 public school districts, and 8 community colleges...
., - $1.2 million from SEIUService Employees International UnionService Employees International Union is a labor union representing about 1.8 million workers in over 100 occupations in the United States , and Canada...
. - $450,000, American Federation of TeachersAmerican Federation of TeachersThe American Federation of Teachers is an American labor union founded in 1916 that represents teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; local, state and federal employees; higher education faculty and staff, and nurses and other healthcare professionals...
- $600,000, AFSCMEAmerican Federation of State, County and Municipal EmployeesThe American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is the second- or third-largest labor union in the United States and one of the fastest-growing, representing over 1.4 million employees, primarily in local and state government and in the health care industry. AFSCME is part of the...
. - $100,000 from School Employees Exercising Democracy (SEED)
- $100,000 from the AFL-CIOAFL-CIOThe American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
. - $50,000 from Oregon AFSCME Council 75.
Petition drive history
The office of the Oregon Secretary of StateOregon Secretary of State
The Secretary of State of Oregon, an elected constitutional officer within the executive branch of government of the U.S. state of Oregon, is first in line of succession to the Governor. The duties of office are: auditor of public accounts, chief elections officer, and administrator of public...
announced on June 16, 2008 that its unofficial signature verification process showed that the initiative's supporters had turned in 83,136 valid signatures, versus a requirement of 82,769 signatures. This represented a validity rate of 64.76% calculated over the 128,380 signatures turned in. The measure formally qualified for the ballot on August 2.,
A union-funded watchdog group asked the Oregon Secretary of State
Oregon Secretary of State
The Secretary of State of Oregon, an elected constitutional officer within the executive branch of government of the U.S. state of Oregon, is first in line of succession to the Governor. The duties of office are: auditor of public accounts, chief elections officer, and administrator of public...
to conduct an investigation into how some of the signatures on the measure were collected. Bill Bradbury, the Secretary of State has said, ""...most all of the initiatives Oregon voters will decide this fall got there through practices that are now illegal. But those practices were legal at the time most of the signatures were submitted." The state's Election Division is investigating the charges.,,
Further reading
External links
Note:: This article was taken from Ballotpedia's article about Oregon Ballot Measure 59Basic information
- Oregon Voters' Pamphlet for Measure 59
- 2008 General Election Measures: Voter Guide
- Initiative details and status from the Secretary of State
- Complete text of the initiative
- Oregon Financial Estimate Summary