Ore. Senate fails to pass tax increases
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Senate Democrats have failed to muster enough votes to pass $733 million in new taxes - a cornerstone to their plan for balancing the state budget.
Democrats missed their three-fifths majority by just one vote - that of Sen. Mark Hass, a Beaverton Democrat. He said the higher taxes on businesses and upper-income individuals should only be temporary, and not extend beyond four years.
When it became clear the measures did not have the three-fifths majority necessary to pass, the Democrats tabled the legislation. That means the two tax measures could be brought back up later if Democrats can find another `yes' vote to pass them.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
