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Talking Points:
HB 4134 is a Job Killer for Oregon
Increasing taxes on the private sector and diverting a dedicated revenue stream away from economic development and job creation will harm Oregon. At a time when the hospitality industry is still recovering from the pandemic and hospitality employment is still 14 percent below 2019 numbers, taking money that is designed to bring visitors to Oregon and create jobs in local communities is the wrong direction.
HB 4134 is an $11 million tax increase on Oregonians
Although out of state visitors represent the majority of travelers in Oregon, approximately 30% of the statewide transient lodging tax is paid by Oregonians traveling in the state. If HB 4134 passes, Oregonians will pay $11 million more per year in new taxes just for going to their favorite Oregon vacation destinations, when traveling to youth sporting tournaments, during business travel, and visiting family. Oregonians recently made their feelings known on tax increases when they referred the gas tax and other tax and fee increases to the ballot.
TLT Tax Investments are Working
$40M in statewide TLT taxes = $14 Billion in Economic Activity
That’s an ROI of 350 times. The tourism and hospitality sector creates jobs across the state beyond just restaurants and lodging properties. Visitors spend their money at grocery stores, gas stations, retail businesses and even state parks. All of which contributes to a healthier local economy and more hours and jobs for the people who live and work in those communities.
HB 4134 Weakens Oregon Competitiveness for Large Events and Groups
Large events, groups, and conferences are constantly looking for places to hold their meetings and competition is fierce among cities to attract this business. HB 4134 increases costs for groups looking at Oregon and when combined with city, county and other lodging fees and taxes, this increase to the statewide TLT will impact our ability to win that business. This will hit especially hard in Portland, where the overall tax rate, if HB 4134 passes, would be the second highest in the Western United States behind only Seattle.
Please vote “NO” on HB 4134
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