Image

Oregon and Oklahoma voters rejected ballot measures that would have provided extra funding for public schools and teachers.

Voters in Oregon shot down Measure 97, which would have authorized a 2.5 percent corporate tax to raise about $3 billion a year for the cash-strapped state. Measure 97’s failure leaves Oregon facing a $1.4 billion budget deficit, and the state’s public schools anticipate severe budget cuts as a result of the shortfall. Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest district, faces $60 to $70 million alone in likely cuts.

Fifty-nine percent of Oklahoma voters rejected a ballot measure that would have increased the state sales tax by one penny on the dollar to fund public education, including a $5,000 pay hike for teachers.

Oklahoma teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation. State Question 779, nicknamed the Penny Tax, would have raised approximately $615 million per year.

Portland Tribune, Nov. 15
Times Record, Nov. 10