[2] Rising concerns over property taxes and inflation in the 1970s urged lawmakers all over the country to draft tax cut plans; notably California's Proposition 13,[3] which inspired the Oregon legislature to draft their own bill aimed at limiting what was perceived as excessive growth.
In 1991 and 1993, budget problems relating to Ballot Measure 5 of 1990 prompted lawmakers to suspend the kicker, withholding $246 million from taxpayers.
[7] Opponents of the kicker law claim it prevents Oregon from retaining an appreciable economic surplus.
[8] Without an ample surplus, the state is more vulnerable to the effects of recession, such as in 2003 as when police forces were cut, schools were downsized, and healthcare was restricted.
[8] Further movements to eliminate the kicker altogether are underway,[5] backed by lawmakers such as prior Governor Ted Kulongoski.