Portland State seeks payroll tax amid declining state money

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Administrators at Portland State University are seeking a metro-area payroll tax to fund scholarships for local students.

PSU President Wim Wiewel (VIHM VEE’-vel) says it’s unlikely the state will provide enough money for the university to set an affordable tuition rate.

Wiewel tells the Oregonian (https://bit.ly/1GOMGY4 ) that PSU administrators have worked on the idea for years. They’re developing an initiative petition that would put the idea before voters in the 2016 election.

The tax of about a tenth of a percent of payroll would be levied on employers. It would raise between $24 and $50 million a year. Wiewel says employers would benefit from PSU’s enhanced role in educating a qualified workforce.

Portland Business Alliance President Sandra McDonough says the organization needs to know more in order to take a position, but some employers are concerned about the cost.

___

Information from: The Oregonian, https://www.oregonlive.com