Taxation/Economy Failed General Election
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PEAPAC Recommends: NO

Massive tax increase ($3 billion) shifts money from private to state control (oppression); regressive tax hurts the poor by raising prices.

Summary

Imposes a massive gross receipts tax on corporations with high sales.

Biblical Reasoning

So, first, we oppose it because it would shift a huge amount of dollars from private to state control. In 1 Samuel 8:1-20, God warns against civil government that gets too big and too intrusive. It also warns about the oppression of the poor by government structures.

The leech has two daughters; “Give” and “Give,” they cry. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”: Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough” Proverbs 30:15,16… Well, let’s add another to this list: the state bureaucracy, which Measure 97 attempts to grow by 3 billion dollars a year in new taxes.

1 Samuel 8:1-20 — “God warns against civil government that gets too big and too intrusive. It also warns about the oppression of the poor by government structures.”
Proverbs 30:15-16 — “The leech has two daughters; “Give” and “Give,” they cry. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”: Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough””

Election Results

41%
59%
YesNo

Voters rejected the gross receipts tax on corporations (59% No).

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: We strongly oppose this Measure, and urge your No vote on it. It would raise taxes more than 3 billion (with a B) dollars a year! It would be the largest tax increase in Oregon’s history.

So, first, we oppose it because it would shift a huge amount of dollars from private to state control. In 1 Samuel 8:1-20, God warns against civil government that gets too big and too intrusive. It also warns about the oppression of the poor by government structures. This is a very important text for our times!

The second reason we oppose this Measure is that it is “regressive”, meaning it would disproportionately hurt the poor. Companies with low profit margins, like Walmart grocery stores, would be forced to raise their prices. These businesses supply necessities such as food and clothing. This Measure, then, would hurt low income Oregonians. Medical providers would also be taxed under this Measure, increasing health care costs. Because of this, the Oregon Medical Association has gone on record opposing Measure 97. Even Oregon’s iconic Powell’s Bookstore, the nations’ largest store front seller of new and used books, would be threatened by this Measure. Emily Powell, the owner, says that she is not sure they could survive the necessary price increases this Measure would force. We urge you to vote No on this Measure, and ask you to encourage all your friends to vote No as well.

The leech has two daughters; “Give” and “Give,” they cry. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”: Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough” Proverbs 30:15,16 Well, let’s add another to this list: the state bureaucracy, which Measure 97 attempts to grow by 3 billion dollars a year in new taxes. Don’t believe the rhetoric of this tax increase being necessary “for the children.” There is no language directing the new revenues be spent on schools. And haven’t we had enough of the public school advocates wanting more and more of our hard-earned wages to teach kids that God is irrelevant to their lives, that more and more government is good and business is bad, and that socialization means using four letter words, showing disrespect for parents, and engaging in casual sex of various types?

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