Oregon voters approve 2 tax measures

By TIM FOUGHT, Associated Press Writer
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 8:47 p.m.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon voters have given their approval to measures that raise taxes on businesses and the wealthy.

Voters in Tuesday's special election approved Measure 66, which raises rates on people earning well above six figures, and Measure 67, which increases business taxes.

With 80 percent of the expected votes counted, both measures had 54 percent approval.

The Oregon Legislature approved both tax increases last year, and business groups sponsored a referendum campaign to put them to a statewide vote.

The revenue from the new taxes, $727 million, is expected to account for about 5.5 percent of the general fund in the next two-year budget.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... -measures/