Portland art tax critic argues before Oregon Supreme Court

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Supreme Court has heard arguments over the constitutionality of Portland’s art tax, which funds nonprofit arts programs and public school art teachers.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Tuesday (http://bit.ly/2mT6vc1) that retired attorney George Wittemyer sued in 2013, saying the tax violates a state provision against a “head tax.”

Portland voters approved the tax in 2012.

Since then, certain types of earners age 18 or older pay $35 per person annually to fund art in public education.

A trial court and the Oregon Court of Appeals both ruled that the arts tax is not a head tax, due to its numerous exceptions, and therefore is legal.

Portland Public Schools say the tax is critical because art instruction has classroom benefits that go far beyond the ease