A chance is fast approaching for Southern Oregon University students to direct not only the future of their school, but all Oregon as well. On January 26, a special election will be held to determine whether Oregon will maintain $733 million in new revenue budgeted for things like education, health care, public safety, and other services.
This election directly affects us here at Southern. State funding cuts have majorly influenced every student. Tuition increases, high student fees, nine week terms, issues with contracted companies on campus and financial aid are all areas affected directly by these state funds. The importance of students voting has never been more vital!
Last year, in order to combat Oregon’s economic downturn, state legislature passed tax increases that collectively raised $733 million between income and corporate minimum taxes. However, some Oregonians believed that raising taxes in a recession is more harmful than good, and through petitions, brought these new increases to a vote in a special election, resulting in ballot measures 66 and 67.
Measure 66 increases the tax rate for individuals earning over $125,000 or couples earning over $250,000 by 1.8 percent. The measure does not increase the tax rate for anyone else; it also eliminates income taxes on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits received in 2009. With a YES vote, these changes happen and raise approximately $472 million. With a NO vote, the changes are repealed, and the money is returned to the taxpayers of Oregon.
Measure 67 deals with corporate minimum tax. Presently, when a company in Oregon makes under $500,000 in Oregon revenues a year, they pay a minimum tax of $10. This tax was set in 1931 and has not changed since. Measure 67 increases that tax to $150. In addition, companies making over $500,000 a year in revenues will take a tax increase of 0.1 percent. Measure 67 also raises the tax rate on corporations with profits over $250,000 by 1.3 percent until 2011. A YES vote enforces these changes, while a NO vote repeals them. Measure 67 potentially raises or cuts $255 million.
Regardless of your feelings about these measures, there is no doubt that they affect every one of us. More than ever, students’ voices are a major factor in the development of the world around us. Every voice matters. By the end of January, the easiest and most powerful way to change your world is by casting your ballot.
