It’s hard to say exactly how much the University would be affected by Measure 88, a tax-cutting measure, but both opponents and proponents of the measure say it would reduce the amount of funding distributed by the state government.
Measure 88 would cut taxes by allowing Oregonians to deduct $2,000 more of their federal income tax payments from state income tax returns, increasing the maximum deduction from $3,000 to $5,000.
If passed, this would reduce the amount of funds available for general government expenditures, including funds for higher education.
Douglas Bilheimer, a consultant for the Oregon Education Association, said the measure would reduce the general fund by $160 million and would continue to reduce the amount of resources supplied to the University. He said he feels this measure is unfair and unnecessary.
“This is awful legislation,” said Bilheimer, “Passage would result in education funding losses at time when schools are already strapped for cash.”
State Rep. Leslie Lewis, R-Newberg, disagrees. She said the amount to be deducted is very modest and won’t have any impact on the amount of funding the University receives from the state.
“The $3,000 limit was set back in 1986 and was never indexed for inflation,” Lewis said. “This measure was written because we recognized that the $3,000 deduction was way outdated. More and more people are receiving higher incomes and are forced to pay more taxes as a result.”
Melissa Unger, legislative organizer for the ASUO, said Measure 88, like Measure 91, could raise tuition. She was not able to comment on whether she is for or against the measure, but said that with the tuition freeze ending this year, future tuition would likely be higher if the measure passes.
“[The University] wouldn’t want to cut money from programs, so they would have to compensate with a tuition raise,” Unger said.
Oregon University System spokesman Bob Bruce also can’t speak for or against the measure, but did say the measure could have a fiscal impact on the general fund.