Portland State University President Wim Wiewel Says School Could Jump Onto Tax-Glutted 2016 Ballot With Payroll Tax

Portland State University President Wim Wiewel tells the Portland Tribune the school is planning a 2016 ballot initiative for a regional payroll tax.

Wiewel tells the Trib that PSU isn't getting enough money from the Oregon Legislature, and he wants to raise $35 million a year with a metro-area payroll tax of about one-tenth of 1 percent.

The Tribune story says officials at regional government Metro are keeping their distance.

The concept of a PSU payroll tax was first discussed by state Sen. Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) on her radio show last week. She tells the Trib she and Wiewel have discussed the idea.

That lack of enthusiasm is understandable.

This effort comes on the heels of a major embarrassment for PSU: the university's botched handling of a promised $100 million gift that was never more than a fantasy.

Wiewel is also demonstrating a surprising lack of understanding of next year's ballot, which is almost certain to include a multibillion-dollar tax hike for all Oregonians; a gas tax for Portlanders; and possibly a $500 million capital bond measure for Portland Public Schools. In addition, Gov. Kate Brown, lawmakers and the business community are preparing to ask all Oregonians to fund transportation improvements with a gas tax in 2017.

In short, PSU's timing could not be much worse.

Willamette Week