CVCC Opposes Measure 118
After thorough discussion and careful consideration, the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to formally oppose Measure 118, which will appear on the November 2024 ballot. Our decision is based on the overwhelming negative impact we believe this measure will have on our local businesses and community.
Why We Oppose Measure 118:
At its core, Measure 118 imposes a new tax on sales, not profits. This means businesses in our region would face an additional tax burden, regardless of their financial health. Whether a company is highly profitable, breaking even, or facing losses, they would still be required to pay this tax on every dollar of sales they make. For businesses already struggling with tight margins, this tax could be devastating, forcing many to raise prices, cut jobs, or even shut down.
Moreover, this tax would be applied at multiple stages in the production and distribution process, which will ultimately increase costs across the entire supply chain. By the time goods and services reach consumers, they may have been taxed multiple times—resulting in significantly higher prices for everyday necessities. This could make Oregon products more expensive compared to other regions and hurt the competitiveness of local businesses in a global market.
A Misleading Promise of Rebates
At first glance, the promise of potential rebates from Measure 118 may seem enticing to some. However, after careful analysis, the Board of Directors believes that any benefit from these rebates would be quickly negated by the resulting increase in costs across the supply chain. These increased costs would ultimately raise the cost of living for every Oregon household, making it more difficult for families to afford necessities. The reality is that any perceived short-term gain would be outweighed by long-term financial burdens on both businesses and consumers.
Impact on Local Businesses and Consumers
For the residents of our community, the effect of this tax would be particularly hard to bear. At a time when the cost of living is already on the rise, Measure 118 would further drive-up prices for essential goods like food, medicine, and utilities. Families, seniors, and those on fixed incomes will feel the squeeze as they struggle to afford these basic needs.
We are also concerned about the long-term effects on the local business environment. Measure 118 could make it more difficult for Oregon to attract new businesses and retain existing ones. With fewer opportunities for growth and innovation, our local economy may experience slower job creation and reduced economic activity.
Lack of Accountability
Finally, the Chamber Board is troubled by the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the use of funds generated by this tax. While Measure 118 promises to raise billions in revenue, there is no guarantee that this money will be used for the benefit of Oregon residents. In fact, the money could be redirected to other priorities without clear oversight, leaving taxpayers footing the bill without seeing any real benefit.
Conclusion
For all these reasons, we believe that Measure 118 is not only a bad deal for local businesses but for our community as a whole. It threatens to burden businesses with unsustainable costs, drive up consumer prices, and stifle the economic growth that we all depend on.
We urge all our members to join us in voting NO on Measure 118 and to encourage others to do the same. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for your continued support of our local business community. To find out more information about Measure 118 you can look here:
Sincerely,
Bubba