Many parts of the state's budget have been affected by the recession.  In order to try to reduce the impact, Measure 30 has been introduced to protect the schools and other public services.  Ballot Measure 30 is part of the February 3, 2004 Special Election Ballot.  If approved, this measure would raise $803 million to balance the 2003-3005 state budget by creating an income tax surcharge and increasing other taxes, such as corporate income, property and cigarette taxes.  The increase on an average Oregonian income would be $133 per year. (Source-Oregon Legislative Revenue Office).
   Without the measure, there would be a 4.7% funding reduction in public education, health care, senior services and public safety.  2004-2005 K-12 funding would be reduced by $338 million, a little more than nine percent of its total operating revenue. This would be a cut of about $544 per weighted student.
   Locally, the failure of the measure would result in a reduction of $578,500 in the school district's 2004-2005 budget.  There are a few options for the district if the measure doesn't pass.  They could include reducing the school year by 30 school days, reducing the number of full-time teachers by 10, eliminating all sports programs and seven teachers, or a combination of these options.  
   Many people are concerned with another increase in taxes.  They say that there is much government waste to be cut, and that taxes should not be raised during a recession.  Proponents of the measure argue that there no fat in the budget, especially in the schools, as they have been hit hard by budget cuts in the past several years.  Right now, Oregon ranks 39th in state and local taxes.  Though some think that income taxes are high, our state does not have a sales tax as most others do.
   If Measure 30 does not succeed, the Oregon Legislature would need a special session to re-balance the budget, or the Governor could make across-the-board reductions specified by HB5077, which was decided on by the 2003 Legislature in case Measure 30 was rejected by the voters.