Oregon Ballot Measure 97 was a ballot measure in the 2016 election in the U.S. state of Oregon. The initiative asked voters to determine whether or not to impose a 2.5percent gross receipts tax on C corporations with Oregon sales exceeding $25million.[2][3]S corporations and benefit companies (companies that benefit society and the environment, as determined under state law) would be exempt from the tax.[4][5] It was estimated the measure would raise $3billion annually for the state, if passed.[6]
The nonpartisan Oregon Legislative Revenue Office determined that of the some 250,000 businesses registered in Oregon, 951 would be subject to the tax; of these, the hundred largest taxpayers would pay about two-thirds of the monies raised. The same report estimated that wholesale companies in Oregon would see their taxes grow by almost $600million, a 583percent increase. Taxes on Oregon retailers would increase by $535million, a 766percent jump. Health care firms operating in Oregon would experience a 1,211percent increase in their taxes, adding almost $100million per year to the cost of health care across the state.[7]
During the state's general election held in November 2016, Oregon voters defeated the measure 59 percent (opposed) to 41 percent.[1]
Support and opposition
Listing in the 2016 voters' pamphlet
The campaigns for and against the ballot measure raised the most money ever over a ballot measure in Oregon.[8][9] By the week before Election Day, combined fundraising for the two campaigns had reached $40million.[10] Opponents of the measure outspent proponents of the measure; the anti-Measure 97 campaign, the Defeat the Tax on Oregon Sales Committee, raised almost $26million, while the pro-Measure 97 committee Yes on 97 raised $14million.[10] A separate pro-Measure 97 group, Defend Oregon, also raised funds in support of the measure's passage.[10][11]
A poll conducted by DHM Research during September 1–6 showed 60 percent of respondents were in favor of Measure 97, with 30percent opposed. Another poll conducted by icitizen during September 2–7 found that 59percent of 610 respondents were in favor of the measure passing, with 21percent opposed. However, support decreased to 40percent and opposition increased to 31percent after participants heard arguments against Measure 97. The poll's margin of error was 4percent.[13]
