SALEM, Ore., April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Although the state of Oregon enjoys a $2 billion surplus through 2009, it is apparently not enough to pay for the proposed expansion of government by Democrat lawmakers. In a blow to Governor Kulongoski's efforts to raise an additional $1.6 billion in new taxes, FreedomWorks' grassroots pressure helped stop the first major tax hike to reach the Oregon House floor, a proposed 84-cent increase in the cigarette tax.
Oregon has a spending problem, and not a revenue problem. Instead of raising taxes the state government should be forced to live within its means just like hardworking Oregonians have to do.
Grassroots activists generated thousands of calls, letters and emails, and made personal visits to the Oregon state capitol to oppose the tax hike. Russ Walker, FreedomWorks Oregon State Director, testified before a committee to oppose the cigarette tax. In addition to contacting lawmakers, FreedomWorks Oregon contacted 3,500 households in targeted districts to build opposition to the plan.
Russ Walker commented:
"Many pundits thought this tax hike was a done deal, but they underestimated the power of grassroots mobilization. Although we can celebrate a victory for the taxpayers today, Democrats have 110 additional tax and fee hike proposals waiting. FreedomWorks will remain mobilized to stop future tax increase and educate the voters on how their representatives vote."
FreedomWorks Chairman and former House Majority Leader Dick Armey added:
"It is unconscionable that legislators would ask for more money while sitting on a $2 billion surplus. Congratulations to FreedomWorks activists who earned this victory though making their voices heard in Salem. Credit also needs to go to conservatives in the legislature who remained committed to limited government, and took a stand against a regressive tax increase to fund a massive expansion of state government."
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