Oregon's tourism commission has established a plan to get the industry to reach new levels of success by trying to pass the first statewide tax. House Bill 2267 will allow a one percent tax on all lodging in Oregon, thus bringing in over $7 million dollars, doubling the budget the tourism commission has to work with. The industry wants to spend millions on advertising Oregon's many beauties.

This tax would start to move Oregon's economy back in the right direction, more job availability, and bring in a much-needed income through tourists. It would hopefully get a better reputation for a place to do business. But the industry does not have the means to extend a welcoming to those people. Tourism is one of three main components Governor Ted Kolongoski's economic plan consists of along with legislative leaders who have included it as one of their t

For people to visit a place they need to know what that place has to offer and with the $7 million budget increase from the tax, the tourism industry would be able to do just this. I think the Port of Portland made a good decision in striking a deal with a German based airline, that right there will bring in people from a far. It seems to me this might have a very good chance to pass mainly because it is a pretty good solution to Oregon's slumping economy, and those who are usually against state tax increases such as Rep. Dan Doyle, R-Salem say " I support the lodging tax because it ties directly to economic development".

The lodging tax that some cities have already established have been used for more than just promoting Oregon which is what is was supposed to be used for. " In times of budget cuts, they're taking tourism dollars and putting it into their general funds" says Bill Perry, an Orego

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