Oregon Ballot Measure 5 (1990)

Ballot Measure 5 of 1990 established constitutional limits on Oregon's property taxes[?]. Property taxes for schools were capped at $15.00 per $1,000 of assesed value, and gradually lowered to $5. Property taxes for other purposes were capped at $10 per $1,000. (This provision is Section 11 of Article XI of the Oregon Constitution [1] (http://www.leg.state.or.us/orcons/orcons)) The measure also made school funding the responsibility of the state, equalizing funding. The measure was passed in the November 6, 1990 general election with 574,833 votes in favor, 522,022 votes against.[2] (http://bluebook.state.or.us/state/elections/elections21.htm)

Ballot Measure 5's affect on the state of Oregon that when Oregonians speak of "Measure 5", they are usually refering to the 1990 Measure 5. The measure was sponsored by Oregon Taxpayers United[?], an anti-tax group.

Supporters of Measure 5 were upset by a percieved hike in property taxes, much of it caused by a boom in property values in the Portland metro area. Many also liked the provisions of the measure that required equalization of school funding. Proponents felt that schools would be protected by new taxes from the state, such as a sales tax. Opponents warned that the measure would lead to massive cuts in government services.[3] (http://www.wweek.com/html/25-1990)

The measure has remained controversial since its passage. Oregon remains the only state without a sales tax. Furthermore, the measure is blamed for cuts in school programs, and the budget crises of 2002 and 2003. Many critics say that then-Governor Barbara Roberts[?] warning that Measure 5's passage would lead to massive chaos has been borne out.[4] (http://www.wweek.com/html/25-1990) Critics defend the measure as necessary to curb perceived government spending excesses.

Measure 5 was followed up with Measure 47[?] in 1996 and Measure 50[?] in 1997.

See also: List of Oregon ballot measures

External links

• Oregon Taxpayers Union (http://www.otu.org/)
• Citizens for Oregon's Future (http://www.fororegon.org/)