SALEM - Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio) opposed two permanent tax increases that were approved in the House of Representatives last week. She said the bills represent a $733 million tax increase on Oregonians and businesses.

House Bill 2649 raises personal income taxes on higher income Oregonians, even though 75 percent of the 31,000 Oregonians affected by the tax increase are owners of small and family-owned businesses.

HB 3405 raises taxes on Oregon businesses. The bill isn't merely an update to the corporate minimum tax, she said, but a new way to tax Oregon businesses whether they're successful or not.

Rep. Sprenger said both tax increases will kill jobs and drive individuals and businesses to other states that are more supportive of the private sector.

"Small business is the backbone of Oregon's economy," she said. "By increasing taxes on small business owners, there will be even fewer resources for job creation and reinvestment in Oregon services."

This legislature voted to raise taxes on businesses, even though nearly all industrial sectors have lost jobs over the past year.

"HB 3405 represents a 33 percent increase in corporate taxes over the next two years and disregards profitability," said Rep. Sprenger. "Small businesses are not cash cows for state government. Legislature should not do anything to threaten the viability of these businesses and their ability to create jobs in our communities."