Taxation Failed General Election
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PEAPAC Recommends: YES

Checks government oppression (1 Sam 8); gives voters ability to restrain excessive taxation.

Summary

Requires voter approval for most tax and fee increases.

Biblical Reasoning

In 1 Samuel 8 , the Bible sets a marker of 10% as a sure sign of oppressive government. In setting this marker, the Bible clearly expects us to pay our taxes, even when they are exorbitant. But another implication of the text is that when we have the ability to restrain such oppression, we should exercise that option.

1 Samuel 8 — “In 1 Samuel 8 , the Bible sets a marker of 10% as a sure sign of oppressive government.”

Election Results

40%
60%
YesNo

Voters rejected the voter approval requirement for taxes (60% No).

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: If passed, Measure 93 would amend the Constitution to require voter approval of most new taxes and government fees. Like the other Measures aimed at reducing or restraining further state spending, we support this Measure. (See our sidebar “The Bible, Taxation and Whiskey” .)

Measure 93 does seem like a drastic solution. We would far prefer electing a host of citizens to the Oregon House and Senate who are committed to real reductions in state spending, and committed to privatizing most current State health, education and welfare programs.

In 1 Samuel 8 , the Bible sets a marker of 10% as a sure sign of oppressive government. In setting this marker, the Bible clearly expects us to pay our taxes, even when they are exorbitant. But another implication of the text is that when we have the ability to restrain such oppression, we should exercise that option. We therefore urge your Yes vote on Measure 93.

← PreviousMeasure 92 (2000)