Dive to Economic Irrelevancy

Oregon's Measures 66 and 67 will further Oregon's head-first dive to economic irrelevancy. As a member of the middle class, which proponents of Measures 66/67 say won't see any tax increases, I have to ask - What are proponents of 66/67 thinking - where are their heads? Do they not understand how businesses work? Just where will the businesses get the money to pay those increased taxes?

I am not a business owner, but I am married to one - and I understand that private businesses, big and small, receive 100% of their revenue from consumers - including members of the middle class.

Any new or increased taxes imposed on the business will be passed on to consumers -through higher prices, which is a 'hidden' tax. And when consumers can no longer pay the hidden taxes, or when businesses can produce the product more efficiently elsewhere, the businesses are taxed out of competitiveness, and they will leave Oregon - decreasing tax revenues to state coffers.

Tax revenue from small and medium sized business in Oregon is critical to funding government programs. And because of the ever increasing tax burden Oregon has seen many 'home grown' businesses leave the state completely or outsource much, if not all, of the production.

Increasing taxes to the draconian, punitive levels proposed in 66/67 will not increase the tax receipts. Passing these measures will, in fact, do the exact opposite, driving existing businesses out and decreasing the possibility that any new businesses will find it profitable to move here, furthering Oregon's descent into economic irrelevancy.

Want to restore Oregon's relevance and competitiveness? Reduce taxes and DECREASE government spending across the board. We Oregonians are resilient - we will make it through this difficult time - if Salem stays out of the way. We are generous and supportive - we will help our neighbors - if Salem stays out of the way. We will bring the economy back - if Salem stays out of the way.

Vote NO on 66 and 67.