In January, Oregon voters approved to measures to raise taxes on the wealthy and businesses:
Measure 66 raises tax rates on individuals who earn more than $125,000 and couples with incomes greater than $250,000. Measure 67 increases business taxes. It was a defeat for business groups who sponsored a referendum drive to put the taxes to a statewide vote, saying they would cost a state with 11% unemployment even more jobs. The revenue from the new taxes, $727 million, is expected to account for about 5.5% of the general fund in the next two-year budget. - Ore. voters OK tax hikes on wealthy, businesses (USA Today)
One of the key questions facing our country is whether people more well off should proportionately pay more to support the social good. I think Oregon voters are finally on the right track.
Even with this new tax on the wealthy, the highest income tax rate would be 11%, just slighty hire than Washintonian's pay on every purchase with their ~10% sales tax (in Seattle). Most Oregonians will still only pay 9%. Note: Oregon has no sales tax. Washington has no income tax.
