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Date: Oct. 1, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: David Leslie, (503) 221-1054dleslie@emoregon.org
CHRISTIAN LEADERS BACK TEMPORARY TAX SURCHARGE AS MORALLY RESPONSIBLE Asking all Oregonians to support the temporary income surcharged as passed by the Oregon Legislature, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) uplifted the tax as society’s moral responsibility to pay for services that care for the poor and most vulnerable, safeguard communities and maintain public education—especially during times of economic and social distress.The organization’s board of directors, which comprises leaders from 17 Christian denominations in Oregon, voted to endorse the tax last Wednesday. The resolution passed unanimously. The board applauded the tax surcharge’s progressive structure, protecting those least able to afford increased taxes based on ability to pay. Most importantly, the surcharge ensures that school children across the state will have a full school year, close to 100,000 Oregonians will keep Oregon Health Plan benefits and the mentally ill, seniors, and disabled will retain critical services. “Our state cannot afford the social costs that may come with more cuts in social services, school days and public safety if the temporary income tax is not upheld. Now is not the time to turn away from our brothers and sisters. As Christians, we must do what we can to ensure that the least of us are cared for,” stated the Rev. Gene Ross, EMO board president.The board reviewed the income tax surcharge in light of present social needs and concluded that it was necessary to raise taxes after the Oregon Legislature reduced state services in various areas during the five special sessions of 2002 and the recently adjourned 2003 session. Without new revenue, state funding for public education, human services and public safety would be eliminated immediately with no contingency plan in place. This risk was unacceptable to the board, due to the huge impact it would have on the poor, seniors, school children and residents alike. The board is asking Oregonians to oppose the repeal of the tax by not signing the petitions. Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau issued a report stating that Oregonians living below the federal poverty line increased by almost 400,000 people. The state’s poverty rate remained unabated at 11.3 percent for a second year, higher than Washington state. With Oregon’s high hunger rate, unemployment and uninsured population, cuts to state services would exacerbate problems for all residents. Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is a statewide association of 17 Christian denominations including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox bodies working together to improve the lives of Oregonians through theological education and dialogue, public policy advocacy and community ministry programs. - 30 -
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