Portland Mayor Charlie Hales won’t propose any changes to the $35 Art Tax.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales won’t propose any changes to the $35 Art Tax.
The council had been discussing possible changes to the voter-approved tax because of questions concerning its disproportionate impact on the poor and other concerns. Commissioner Dan Saltzman had urged the council to leave it alone, however.
Revenues generated by the tax pay for arts teachers in the public schools and help support non-profit arts organizations.
The $35 tax is applied against all Portlanders over 18 who earn an income, except those who live in households below the poverty line. Some have suggested it should be more progressive, and the council has debated the issue.
Read more at The Portland Tribune.
