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Last Chance to Sign Up for Debate on Ballot Measure 97

Opponents have raised more than $10 million to defeat Ballot Measure 97, while the polls are tightening. Here’s a chance to learn the pros and cons of this controversial measure before e casting your vote. Our early bird discount ends on Friday, and we’re anticipating a sold-out event.
September 29, 2016

Opponents have raised more than $10 million to defeat Ballot Measure 97, while the polls are tightening. Here’s a chance to learn the pros and cons of this controversial measure before e casting your vote. Our early bird discount ends on Friday, and we’re anticipating a sold-out event.

Our debate takes place next Wednesday, October 5, at the Multnomah Athletic Club. At this lively forum, you’ll hear from: Panelists Representing Our Oregon:

  • Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland
  • Felisa Hagins, Political Director, SEIU Local 49

Panelists Representing Defeat the Tax on Oregon Sales:

  • Dr. Colin Cave, Former President, Oregon Medical Association
  • Sandra McDonough, President and CEO, Portland Business Alliance

Moderator: John Schrag, Executive Editor of the Pamplin Media Group.

This event gets underway at 7 a.m. for a breakfast buffet, followed by the debate from 7:30-9 a.m. And bring your questions. We’re allotting plenty of time for the audience to drill these panelists – either by asking questions at the microphone or writing them down on the notecards we’re providing.

And, if you’re a student you can sign up for a discounted rate.

We’re also pleased the Oregon Nurses Association, Advantage Dental and PH Tech have agreed to co-sponsor this event. And, we do have a few limited sponsorship opportunities. Please contact our administrative assistant, Rian Sands, for details at [email protected]

State budget officials predict that Oregon faces a budget shortfall of $1.35 billion next biennium, which represents 6 percent of the state budget.

Faced with that conundrum, Measure 97 would raise an estimated $3 billion in additional state revenue from the largest 1,000 companies doing business in Oregon that earn over $25 million in revenue. Those dollars were intended for education, healthcare and senior services, but challenges have since been raised by legislative officials about how that money could be spent.

Opponents have launched a vigorous campaign to defeat this measure. They contend the new taxes would go into the state General Fund giving politicians and bureaucrats a blank check to spend those dollars however they please, while, if the measure were to pass, consumers would end up paying higher prices on medicine, food, clothing and utilities.

Oregon Health Forum is the educational arm of The Lund Report and collaborates with other nonprofit organizations to sponsor its monthly breakfast forums.

Diane can be reached at [email protected].

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