Voter Backing for Oregon Measure 118 Is Losing Support

UPDATE: Fierce Opposition to Oregon Measure 118 at the Polls Defeats Attempts to Establish a Basic Income Program

As the November 5 election date draws nearer, voter-backing is losing support for Measure 118 which proposes big corporations pay a 3% tax on sales above $25 million to be shared by Oregonians.

Four progressive organizations have withdrawn support for Measure 118 which is believed will put $1,600 annually into the pockets of state residents.

Opponents Say Measure 118 Will Lead to Price Hikes

Opponents cite state economic research analysis that warns against a measure that will lead to price hikes and impact the state’s budget.

Echoing the sentiments of state Governor Tina Kotek, the Director of the Oregon Working Families Party, Annie Naranjo-Rivera, says Measure 118 is flawed, prompting the decision to adopt a neutral stance.

Naranjo-Rivera says her party still supports wealth tax, but Measure 118 has too many problems that ‘would potentially harm our families’ economic wellbeing.’

The other organizations now opposing Measure 118 are the Democratic Socialists of Eugene, the farmworkers union PCUN, and LIUNA (Laborers Local 483).

More than $15 Million Raised to Fight Measure 118

More than $15 million has been raised by Oregon Business and Industry to fight the measure.

However, Measure 118 retains a large support base from other progressive organizations such as the Pacific Green Party, the Oregon Progressive Party, and the Oregon chapter of Progressive Democrats of America.

The chief petitioner for Measure 118 is Antonia Gisbert who has shrugged off the recent withdrawal of support.

Gisbert says it is unsurprising that some organizations felt pressured to change allegiance once elected officials denounced Measure 118 in ‘favor of corporate donors.’

He says political change requires ‘significant courage’ and is encouraged by and proud of the broad base of support that Measure 118 has received from individuals and organizations throughout the state.

Ballots reached voters late last week and they have until 8 p.m. on November 5 to return or mail their decisions.

Measure 118 in a Nutshell

Oregonians need to vote for Measure 118 to raise the minimum corporate tax by 3% on sales over $25 million. The money from this increase will go back to residents in the form of tax rebates, but only to those residents who spend at least 200 days in Oregon each year.

However, major corporations like Nike and Intel are opposing the measure, and Governor Tina Kotek has called it ‘flawed.’ She argues that Measure 118 could punch holes in the state budget, potentially jeopardizing essential services for low-income earners and working families.