The 2006 Ballot Measure Voter Guide Simple and Clear Information and Recommendations for Oregon Voters
Provided as a Public Service by Our Oregon
Welcome to the
2006 Ballot Measure Voter Guide! This year, Oregonians will vote on 10 initiatives. Some of these measures are complex and would profoundly reshape Oregon’s future. We hope all Oregon voters will take the time to get the facts behind these measures before casting their ballots on November 7th. But it can be difficult to get reliable information about ballot measures. That’s why we have provided this concise Voter Guide. We want to help you get to the heart of the matter on each measure and get the facts you need. It’s your vote and your choice.
Follow the Money In recent years there has been an increase in out-of-state groups and wealthy individuals spending large amounts of money on Oregon ballot measure campaigns. Many people are concerned about the impact this money has on our initiative system, which was originally meant to give Oregon’s citizens a direct voice in the legislative process. There are also concerns that with an increase of out-of-state money has come greater fraud and manipulation of the democratic process. This symbol by a ballot measure indicates that the measure was placed on the ballot primarily through the use of this kind of money, with an explanation of the source.
2006 BALLOT MEASURE VOTER GUIDE Ballot Measure
39 BALLOT TITLE
Prohibits Public Body From Condemning Private Real Property If Intends To Convey To Private Party
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE BACKGROUND: This measure changes a rarely used provision
that gives the power of condemnation to public bodies. This measure prohibits condemnation if the intention is to sell the property to a private party. It also includes provisions that mandate changes to the rules about negotiating condemnations. OUR RECOMMENDATION: The League of Women Voters of
Oregon’s analysis says Measure 39 would drive most disagreements over the value of condemned property into court rather than negotiation. Another concern is that the official Fiscal Impact statement of Measure 39 is from $16 to $30 million per year. In the end, this measure creates more problems than it solves, and could make projects for the common good, such as roads and parks, more expensive for taxpayers.
Ballot Measure
40 BALLOT TITLE
Amends Constitution: Requires Oregon Supreme Court Judges And Court Of Appeals Judges To Be Elected By District
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE BACKGROUND: This Constitutional Amendment would change
the way judges of the Oregon Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are elected. Currently, Oregon voters get to vote for all statewide judges. If this measure passes, judges will be elected by districts drawn by the legislature. This measure also lowers the number of signatures required to recall a judge. OUR RECOMMENDATION: This is the same measure that Oregon voters rejected in 2002. Our court system depends on qualified judges being responsible to the law and the Oregon Constitution. Under this Constitutional Amendment judges will be elected based on where they happen to live, instead of only based on their qualifications. It also makes the election - or recall - of judges more subject to special interest manipulation.
MEASURES 39 & 40
2006 BALLOT MEASURE VOTER GUIDE Ballot Measure
41 BALLOT TITLE
Allows Income Tax Deduction Equal To Federal Exemptions Deduction To Substitute For State Exemption Credit
Primarily financed by Nevada multi-millionaire Loren Parks.
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE
BACKGROUND: This measure was written by Bill Sizemore. It
changes Oregon’s tax code regarding the manner in which deductions are taken on Oregon tax returns, allowing Oregon taxpayers to take a federal deduction rather than the state’s current State Exemption Credit. OUR RECOMMENDATION: This measure is complicated in how it
works, but very simple in what it does: it will take a projected $800 million out of the state’s next General Fund budget. Since 90% of that budget goes to education, health care, and public safety, that will mean significant cuts in public services. Further, this measure provides no guidance or provisions on how the state should prioritize the cuts, so government accountability will not be increased. Also, there is valid concern that Measure 41 could end up costing us all more in increased fees for services.
Ballot Measure
42 BALLOT TITLE
Prohibits Insurance Companies From Using Credit Score Or “Credit Worthiness” In Calculating Rates Or Premiums
Primarily financed by Nevada multi-millionaire Loren Parks.
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE
BACKGROUND: This measure was also written by Bill Sizemore.
It would ban insurance companies from the practice of using customers’ credit scores as a factor in determining the rates or premiums they pay. OUR RECOMMENDATION: On October 4th, the Oregon Court of
Appeals ruled that Bill Sizemore’s organizations have engaged in “cynical, criminal manipulations of the democratic process.” This measure is currently under investigation for violation of state laws during signature gathering. It is important not to reward those that abuse the initiative system. Also, real reform would put caps on everyone’s premiums to prevent insurance companies from shifting costs to people with good credit.
MEASURES 41 & 42
2006 BALLOT MEASURE VOTER GUIDE Ballot Measure
43 BALLOT TITLE
Requires 48-Hour Notice To Unemancipated Minor’s Parent Before Providing Abortion; Authorizes Lawsuits, Physician Discipline
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE BACKGROUND: This measure is sponsored by Oregon Right To
Life. It creates a government-mandated notification letter to the parent of a 15, 16, or 17 year old who is considering an abortion. Current Oregon law requires parental consent for young women under the age of 15. The measure has no exceptions for rape or incest, and allows lawsuits against doctors if the letter is not received on time. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Because it has no exceptions for rape or
incest, this measure offers significant dangers for pregnant teens who may be victims of abuse, perhaps delivering the letter into the hands of the abuser. The only alternative for the teen would be to apply to the Oregon Department of Human Services in an intimidating and unrealistic appeals process. Measure 43 offers no provision for counseling or care, and authorizes lawsuits against doctors and medical providers like Planned Parenthood.
Ballot Measure
44 BALLOT TITLE
Allows Any Oregon Resident Without Prescription Drug Coverage To Participate In Oregon Prescription Drug Program
WE RECOMMEND A
YES VOTE BACKGROUND: The Oregon Prescription Drug Program uses
the power of bulk purchasing to obtain lower prices for prescription medication. Currently, the program has age, income, and waiting period restrictions. Measure 44 would open the program to all Oregon residents who do not have insurance coverage for prescription drugs, at no cost to taxpayers. OUR RECOMMENDATION: More than 1 million Oregonians do not have prescription drug coverage and pay higher prices for their medication. This measure creates a system that follows the Costco model. The more people join, the more everyone saves. Measure 44 will give Oregonians who have to pay out of pocket for their prescriptions the same negotiating power as the big insurance companies, saving them up to 60%.
MEASURES 43 & 44
2006 BALLOT MEASURE VOTER GUIDE Ballot Measure
45 BALLOT TITLE
Amends Constitution: Limits State Legislators: Six Years As Representative, Eight Years As Senator, Fourteen Years In Legislature
Primarily financed by two political groups controlled by New York developer Howard Rich.
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE
BACKGROUND: This measure would impose term limits on
Oregon state legislators, banning them from serving more than six years as a state representative, eight years as a state senator, or more than fourteen years total in the legislature. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Elections should be the real term limits.
This measure takes power away from voters, preventing them from electing legislators who are doing a good job or deciding to remove those who are doing a bad job from office. It eliminates experience from the legislature, greatly increasing the power of lobbyists and unelected bureaucrats.
Ballot Measure
46 BALLOT TITLE
Amends Constitution: Allows Laws Regulating Election Contributions, Expenditures Adopted By Initiative Or 3/4 Of Both Legislative Houses
47 BALLOT TITLE
Revises Campaign Finance Laws: Limits Or Prohibits Contributions And Expenditures; Adds Disclosure, New Reporting Requirements
According to The Oregonian, the money to put Measures 46 and 47 on the ballot came primarily from one wealthy individual.
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE
BACKGROUND: Measure 46 overrides important political free
speech protections in Oregon’s Bill of Rights, and places them in the hands of the legislature and ballot measures. Measure 47 sets up a complicated system of extreme restrictions, including on non-profit organizations. The League of Women Voters and Common Cause — two backers of most campaign finance reforms — have declined to support Measures 46 and 47. OUR RECOMMENDATION: We need campaign finance reform in Oregon, but Constitutional Amendment 46 and Measure 47 go too far and have too many unintended consequences. Once you give up your rights, it’s hard to get them back. These measures will make the problem of wealthy people dominating Oregon politics even worse. Real reform should come from the people and public interest groups working together, not wealthy people with big checkbooks.
MEASURES 45 & 46+47
2006 BALLOT MEASURE VOTER GUIDE Ballot Measure
48 BALLOT TITLE
Primarily financed by a political group controlled by New York developer Howard Rich.
WE RECOMMEND A
NO VOTE
BACKGROUND: This Constitutional Amendment, financed by New
Amends Constitution: Limits Biennial Percentage Increase In State Spending To Percentage Increase In State Population, Plus Inflation
York developer Howard Rich and written by Don McIntire, is also known as “TABOR.� It limits the expenditures of state government according to a prescribed formula. Measure 48 includes no provisions for government accountability or directions on how revenue should be saved or spent. OUR RECOMMENDATION: This Constitutional Amendment is mod-
eled after a Colorado law, which citizens voted to suspend last November after it became clear the formula did not work. Funding for K-12 education dropped to 49th in the nation, higher education funding dropped to 48th, and child vaccination rates plummeted to 50th. Measure 48 would have a similar impact in Oregon, reducing funds for services by an estimated $2.2 billion in the next state budget. This would cause dramatic reductions in schools, health care, and public safety, and will do nothing to make government more efficient or accountable.
Election Day is
Tuesday, November 7th Ballots are due into your County Elections Office by 8:00PM For more information visit www.ouroregon.org
MEASURE 48
2006 Ballot Measure Voter Guide! Provided as a public service by Our Oregon, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic and tax fairness for all Oregonians. Our priorities include: • Payday loan reform • Reducing health care costs • Stopping unfair giveaways and loopholes that shift the tax burden to the middle class • Promoting government accountability • Preserving the integrity of Oregon’s initiative process 1125 S.E. Madison Street, Suite 210 Portland, Oregon 97214 293M