Ballot Measures 66 and 67 Debate

In 2009 the Oregon Legislature passed two bills as part of an effort to address the state's fiscal crisis: one raising taxes on high income earners; the other increasing the state's corporate minimum tax and levying new taxes on corporate revenue. In response, critics of the legislation gathered a sufficient number of petitions to qualify two referenda - Measures 66 and 67 - for a January 26, 2010 special election allowing the electorate to decide the fate of these tax increases.

Supporters of the tax increases argue that the nearly $750 million in expected revenue is necessary to avoid deeper cuts to education, health care and public safety, while also helping balance the state's 2009-2011 biennial budget. Opponents argue that the tax increases - especially their permanent nature - will stifle economic growth and job creation, while possibly driving business enterprises and high-income earners out of state.

Steve Novick, a chief proponent of Measures 66 and 67, is a policy analyst at Vote Yes for Oregon team, where he works on behalf of passing these measures. Opponent McCormick, a partner at Conkling Fiskum & McCormick, is a spokesman for Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes, working to defeat these measures.

Purchase tickets at www.pdxcityclub.org or call 503-228-7231 x110.

Where: The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland OR 97205

When: Doors open at 11:30 AM, Program begins at 12:15 PM and concludes at 1:15 PM

Transportation and parking: The Governor Hotel is accessible by bus, Portland Streetcar and MAX light rail. A SmartPark garage is located one block away from the Governor Hotel at 730 S.W. 10th Ave.

Cost: Luncheon tickets are $16 for City Club members and up to two guests, $20 for nonmembers. Limited coffee/tea table tickets are $5 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. General seating is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. A limited number of $5 coffee/tea tickets are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations: Reservations required for lunches only; reservations close at 2 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the event. Reservations for lunch are strongly encouraged. To reserve a lunch via telephone, individuals (members and non-members) should call our voice mail reservation line, 503-228-7231, ext. 110. A limited number of lunch tickets are generally available at the door. Luncheon tickets reserved after the 2:00 PM Wednesday deadline or purchased at the door will be subject to an additional $4 charge. General seating and coffee/tea tickets will be available at the door.

Sponsors: Friday Forums this quarter are sponsored by The Standard and West Coast Bank