LOC News
Action Alert – Local Marijuana Tax Increase
One of the LOC’s legislative priorities has a work session next Monday (June 14) and we need your help!
SB 864 will allow cities, with voter approval, to increase their local marijuana tax beyond the current cap of 3% of the retail price, up to a new limit of 10%. As cities are likely aware, Measure 110 reduced state marijuana revenues going to local governments by more than 73%, and SB 864 would help us to make up for that loss. The LOC’s testimony on this issue is available on OLIS, and you can use that document for talking points.
Please contact your state Senator, let them know your city supports SB 864 and we need their vote on the floor. If they support, encourage them to let Senator Burdick know she will have their vote on the floor. Senator Burdick is the chair of Senate Finance and Revenue and will make the decision whether this bill moves on Monday. She will not move this bill if the votes are not there on the floor.
Please contact your state Representative, let them know your city supports SB 864, and that we need their help getting this bill to the floor in the House when it comes over from the Senate. Our understanding is that key members in the House are inclined to not vote on the bill this session and instead do a workgroup. The revenue losses from Measure 110 are already hitting cities and the Legislature should not wait to take action.
Thank you in advance for your help on this important legislative priority for cities! Find your Senators or Representatives here.
Contact: Mark Gharst, Lobbyist for Tax, Finance, and Economic Development - mgharst@orcities.org or 503-991-2192
Last Updated 6/11/21