Hillsboro and Washington County officials are preparing to defend a state economic development program before the 2013 Oregon Legislature following an inconclusive legislative committee hearing on it Friday, Sept. 14.

State Sens. Ginny Burdick, a Southwest Portland Democrat, and Mark Hass, a Raleigh Hills Democrat, split on whether the state should continue sending 50 percent of the income taxes generated by new jobs back to local and regional governments. Burdick suggested the 50 percent figure is too high, while Hass backed keeping the existing formula.

The money is intended to partly compensate the governments for waiving property taxes to attract the new jobs under the state’s Strategic Investment Program. The Legislature approved the rebates through the Gain Share program in 2007.

“I’m prepared to have that discussion with the Legislature again. I still think Gain Share is only fair, considering the income tax revenue wouldn’t be there if the property taxes weren’t waived in the first place,” said Washington County Chair Andy Duyck following his appearance before the State Senate Interim Finance and Revenue Committee, which is chaired by Burdick.

The gentle art of raising money

Early filings show the Schools and Arts Together political action committee has already collected over $100,000 in support of Ballot Measure 26-146. Major contributions include $25,000 from the Oregon Symphony, $25,000 from the Portland Opera, $10,000 from investor Melvin Mark Jr., and $5,000 from hotelier and arts supporter Gordon Sondland.

The measure would tax Portlanders $35 a year to fund art and music teachers in the schools, and to support arts organizations that expand their audiences. It grew out of an arts initiative from Mayor Sam Adams.

The committee filing was delayed by a lengthy ballot title challenge.