Bishops urge Oregon voters to retain income tax increase

Published: 2003-12-12

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- Appealing to morality and the common good, Oregon's Catholic bishops are calling on voters to retain an income tax increase to balance the state budget. Measure 30, forced by those who oppose the $800 million tax plan, will appear on the Feb. 3 ballot. The bishops are urging a yes vote. "Oregon's revenue debate is not merely about the numbers of financing state government. This debate is about the morality of state public policy," said a statement submitted by Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny and Baker Bishop Robert F. Vasa as part of an official ballot guide. After months of negotiations in the longest statehouse session to be held in Oregon, the 2003 Legislature approved the three-year income tax jump to fund schools, social services and public safety. "Poor, weak and vulnerable Oregonians have a special call on our compassion," said the bishops' statement. "Caring for the most vulnerable persons in our midst, particularly poor women, children, elderly and disabled persons, and funding education are moral issues of the common good."

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