At the federal level, the Legislative Committee signed on to support a bipartisan Farm Bill Coalition letter and an ESA risk assessment reform letter. As a stakeholder group, we joined efforts to request EPA improve its process for assessing potential risks that pesticides may pose to endangered species and their critical habitats.
At the state level, OWA joined a large coalition to oppose Ballot Measure 118. It will be on the ballot in November and, if approved, would be one of the most drastic tax changes in Oregon history.
Labeled as the “Oregon Rebate,” Measure 118 would be a new 3% gross receipts tax (a tax on sales rather than income) on corporations with Oregon sales exceeding $25 million. The state would collect the tax — estimated at $6.8 billion per year — and send each Oregonian, regardless of age or income, a $1,600 check.
Measure 118 would reduce available funding for schools and other essential services. Governor Kotek, Democratic and Republican legislative leaders and labor unions all oppose Measure 118.
When sales are taxed, consumers face higher prices. There’s no such thing as free money, and there’s no guarantee anyone gets their “rebate.” Future legislatures could amend this law at any time, use the money for something else, or increase the tax rate.
Visit NOonMeasure118.com to learn more about the effort to defeat this costly tax on sales.
AG-PAC has been very active this summer. Over the course of two days, approximately 25 candidates seeking endorsements and contributions from Oregon’s natural resource sector were interviewed. The interviews covered a range of topics, including land use, agricultural overtime, water, transportation, the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), and Measure 118. OWA was represented by Tami Kerr, Diann Washburn and Jenny Hitner.
Educate yourself on the upcoming November 5 election – ballot measures and candidates running for office at the local, state, and federal level. Consider making a financial contribution to the candidates you support.