SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber told lawmakers Monday to approach a possible sales tax with caution. Oregon is one of five states without a sales tax and critics say that leaves state finances vulnerable to economic ups and downs.
The governor told a Senate panel that a sales tax is one possible component of a major overhaul to the state's tax code. But he said it can only happen if Oregonians are on-board.
"If we're able to show voters that these resources can go into the classroom, and are actually leveraging results, we are much more likely to get a positive outcome," said Kitzhaber.
Oregon voters have rejected a sales tax nine times over the past century. Supporters of a sales tax say it would likely be paired with a reduction in income taxes. But legislative leaders say it's unlikely any plan will pass out of Salem this year.
On the Web:
SJR 36: State sales tax- Oregon Legislature