GOP says Oregon governor delaying tax hike vote
Friday, July 3, 2009 10:25 AM PDT
SALEM (AP) — Republicans are accusing Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski of using a delaying tactic to try to keep Oregon voters from having their say on income tax hikes just passed by the Legislature. Anti-tax activists, business groups and others are ready to mount a campaign to force a statewide vote on the $733 million tax package.
The Democratic-led Legislature, with Kulongoski’s backing, passed the tax hikes to protect schools and other state services from cuts.
Oregon GOP Chairman Bob Tiernan said Kulongoski is putting off signing the bills so opponents have less time to gather petition signatures.
‘‘To manipulate the system and delay this process would rob the people of Oregon of their opportunity to participate in the process,’’ Tiernan said. But a Kulongoski spokeswoman said the tax measures are among 300 bills that still need legal review before the governor can act on them.
