New Report from Councilor Greens Office Debunks Tax Flight Myth, Exposes Coordinated Attack on Voter-Approved Preschool for All

A report from Portland City Councilor Mitch Green’s office effectively debunks the “tax flight” myth, which claims that high-income earners are leaving Multnomah County due to taxes. Authored by Dr. Erik Dean, the report was released ahead of a significant vote on the Preschool for All program's income tax indexing. Critics argue that this move could jeopardize the program, which aims to provide universal preschool education. The findings challenge recommendations from Governor Tina Kotek's tax advisory group that suggest major changes to the Preschool for All tax and other local taxes based on the discredited “tax flight” theory.

These recommendations would offer further tax breaks to wealthy households, compounding the effects of recent federal tax cuts. The report underscores the need to protect voter-approved initiatives like Preschool for All, which is vital for early childhood education in the region. Councilor Green's office calls for a reevaluation of the proposed tax changes, emphasizing their potential negative impact on public services. The findings highlight ongoing debates about tax policy and educational funding in Portland.