When I first posted on the “Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes” discussion at NedSpace Old Town—which is being held tonight starting at 4:30—it sparked an interesting conversation in the comments.
Well, as much as I love the blog comments, I’m hoping that a fruitful conversation can occur in person, as well. That’s why I’m encouraging you to attend the talk tonight, regardless of your stance on the subject.
For context:
Oregon’s 2009 legislature passed two tax increase measures that will have a serious negative impact on startups, both directly and by affecting their sources of capital. One of the measures added a new gross receipts tax on unprofitable corporations (like startups). The other measure raises Oregon’s top personal income tax to 11 percent – the highest in the country – thereby adversely affecting the angel and venture investor community’s ability to fund startups. This serves as a double-whammy to the Oregon entrepreneurial community. What we need is more reasons for companies, entrepreneurs and investors to come and stay here – this is just one more reason they will stay away, or if here now, relocate.
Portland execs and entrepreneurs like Tim Boyle CEO of Columbia Sportswear, Bill Kelly CEO of Learning.com, Bob DeKonig CEO of Routeware, and Bob Wiggins Managing Partner of Mt. Hood Equity are all expected to be in attendance.
For more information or to RSVP for this discussion, visit Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes.
(Image courtesy blmurch. Used under Creative Commons.)