Laborers Local 483 PAC

On January 26th Oregonian’s did something extremely progressive and somewhat unusual, we voted to raise taxes. For the first time in almost 80 years initiatives calling for increased taxes passed. Measures 66 and 67 raise the corporate minimum tax from $10 to $150 (which had remained static since 1931 ) and raise the tax rate on household income above $250,000. Measure 66 and 67 will raise more than $700 million to provide funds currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, and other critical services. Because some state money brings in federal matching funds the possibilities of additional revenue are increased with our success. In the nearly four decades since the last increase countless measures have failed. Now middle income and working families across the state are beginning to call for equity in this time of economic hardship.

The message to the legislature is that average citizens are no longer content to balance the budget on the backs of working people or suffer reduced critical services so that the wealthiest 3% of our population and corporations can maintain their privilege. Business interest and corporate lobbyist mounted an expensive campaign filled with misinformation and scare tactics to try and frame these measures as “job killing”. Voters across the state recognized these inaccuracies and voted to tell these special interests that they are not exempt paying their fair share. The financial responsibility for protecting our schools, ensuring in home care for the elderly and keeping our communities safe and providing public services (like those performed by members of Local 483) belongs to all of us and must be shared equitably. The voices of voters across the state agreed that we need a more responsible plan to move Oregon forward.

Most telling in this victory are the poll results that demonstrate this choice was not driven by Multnomah and Lane counties alone. Historically the bastions of liberal politics these two entities did vote strongly in favor –Multnomah 71% vs. 29% and Lane 64% vs. 36% but were joined by the following;
Clatsop-55% vs. 45%
Columbia 52% vs. 48%
Hood River 56% vs. 44%
Lincoln 58% vs. 42%
Marion 50.14% vs. 49.86%
Polk 50.32% vs. 49.68%

Both Jackson and Coos counties had yes votes totaling more than 45% of voters as well.

It is clear that communities across the state recognize that we are in an economic crisis and are unwilling to loose critical services so the wealthiest can be sustained. The passage of these measures does not level blame for these difficult times but demonstrates solidarity among Oregonians all across the state. Middle and working class citizens want all to know that the responsibility for supporting essential services belongs to all of us and that these very modest increases are not a harhship for the people and corporations who have benefited from years of conservative politics.

A special thanks to all who helped make this victory happen by canvassing, phone banking and talking to your families, friends and co-workers. Together we will always make a difference.

In Solidarity
Wesley Buchholz