Millions poured into battle over grocery tax ban

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon is one of just a handful of states without a sales tax, and voters have repeatedly rejected attempts to add one.

This election, a ballot measure asks voters to enshrine that opposition in the state Constitution – at least, when it comes to groceries. Measure 103 would ban lawmakers from imposing any future taxes or fees on the sale or distribution of groceries and non-alcoholic beverages. It would allow taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, which is legal in Oregon.

Supporters have poured more than $5 million into the campaign to support the measure, led by grocery giants Kroger, Costco, Albertsons/Safeway and the American Beverage Association. And former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg dropped $1.5 million into the opposition.